Hong Kong: Pro-democracy protesters set to defy Chinese authorities with another two major rallies

In Hong Kong, pro-democracy protesters are set to defy Chinese authorities with another two major rallies on Sunday, a day after police fired tear gas to disperse them in one of the city’s most renowned tourist districts.

Tsim Sha Tsui, a harbourside district known for its luxury malls and hotels, was filled with acrid plumes of tear gas last night as small groups of hardcore protesters battled police in streets usually brimming with tourists and shoppers.

Two simultaneous marches are planned for this afternoon as well as a city-wide strike tomorrow.

In the early hours on Sunday, a large crowd of residents came out in support of the protesters after police made some arrests in the working-class district of Wong Tai Sin. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has seen two months of protests and clashes triggered by opposition to a planned extradition law that quickly evolved into a wider movement for democratic reforms.