Mob violence, Hong Kong

A group of masked people armed with wooden and metal rods attacked pro-democracy protesters at the Yuen Long metro station in Hong Kong on July 21, injuring at least 45 people. In the melee, passersby were also attacked.

The armed group, wearing white, attacked people wearing black clothing, which is associated with the pro-democracy protests that have been ongoing in Hong Kong since June 9. It is believed that the attackers were members of the Triad organized crime group. Hong Kong police were accused of allowing the attacks to unfold.

On July 29, Hong Kong police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters who were attempting to reach the Hong Kong offices of the Chinese government. Over that weekend, protest groups had erected barriers on major roads throughout the city, including in the shopping districts popular with tourists.

At press time, protesters were continuing to erect barriers on major streets and interrupt metro service across the city.