Thousands of Hong Kong civil servants defy government to join protests

SUMMARY

Thousands of civil servants joined in the anti-government protests in Hong Kong on Friday for the first time since they started two months ago, defying a warning from the authorities to remain politically neutral. Protests against a proposed bill that would allow people to be extradited to stand trial in mainland China have grown increasingly violent, with police accused of excessive use of force and failing to protect protesters from suspected gang attacks.

By ReutersAug 4, 2019 3:21:53 PM IST (Published)

Civil servants attend a rally to support the anti-extradition bill protest in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Passers-by watch through a window a rally by civil servants to support the anti-extradition bill protest, during rain in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Passengers on the tram shout slogans as civil servants attend a rally to support the anti-extradition bill protest in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of Hong Kong's medical sector attend a rally to support the anti-extradition bill protest in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

A member of Hong Kong's medical sector attends a rally to support the anti-extradition bill protest in Hong Kong. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez