Police, protesters clash at Hong Kong airport after flights halted for second day

SUMMARY

Police and protesters clashed at Hong Kong's international airport on Tuesday after flights were disrupted for a second day as the political crisis in the former British colony deepened. Demonstrators who have been protesting for the past nine weeks against Beijing's growing influence in the special administrative region targeted the international airport for a second day on Tuesday.Thousands of black-clad protesters jammed the terminal chanting, singing and waving banners. Scuffles broke out in the evening after an injured man was held by a group of protesters. Some claimed he was an undercover mainland Chinese agent and initially refused to let him leave.Several police vehicles were blocked by protesters and riot police moved in amid chaotic scenes, using pepper spray to keep people back. A policeman pulled out a gun at one point. Protesters also barricaded some passageways in the airport with luggage trolleys, metal barriers and other objects. Others clambered onto check-in counters as the protesters appeared to control part of the airport for a short while. At least two protesters were taken away by police. The situation calmed down after a few hours without the violence worsening, and the crowds thinned out. Hong Kong media reported that an injunction had been issued by a court to clear the airport of protesters. The action followed an unprecedented shutdown of the airport on Monday. Hong Kong's Airport Authority said operations had been "seriously disrupted" on Tuesday and departing passengers had been unable to reach immigration counters.

By ReutersAug 14, 2019 8:11:53 AM IST (Published)

Anti-Extradition bill protesters are seen on the check-in counter during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Anti-Extradition bill protesters attend a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Anti-Extradition bill protesters are seen on the check-in counter during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Anti-Extradition bill protesters distribute leaflets to passengers during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

A tee-shirt where it reads ”I love Hong Kong police” is found in the bag of Fu Guohao (C), reporter of Chinese media Global Times website, during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Anti-extradition bill protesters face riot police during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Riot police arrive at the airport during a mass anti-extradition bill demonstration in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Anti-extradition bill protesters try to stop the police vehicle which goes to the airport during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Riot police use pepper spray to disperse anti-extradition bill protesters during a mass demonstration after a woman was shot in the eye, at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Medics remove an injured man who anti-government protesters said was an undercover policeman at the airport in Hong Kong, China August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Police confront anti-government protesters at the airport in Hong Kong, China August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Anti-government protesters gesture at police during clashes at the airport in Hong Kong, China August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Thomas Peter

Anti-Extradition bill protesters couple sleep at arrival hall during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 14, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Medics attempt to remove an injured man who anti-government protesters said was a Chinese policeman during a mass demonstration at the Hong Kong international airport, in Hong Kong, China, August 13, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu