Hong Kong police fire tear gas to break up New Year's Day march

Tens of thousands of anti-government protesters marched through Hong Kong streets on Wednesday in their largest demonstration in weeks.

The New Year’s Day protest was authorized by the government, but police withdrew the permission after claiming that some “thugs” had thrown bricks and petrol bombs, damaging banks and shops. Officers tried to disperse the crowds using tear gas and pepper spray. Police arrested five males, of which the youngest was 13 years old.

Organizers of the march denounced police for “forcing” them to halt the demonstration, accusing authorities of lying about protesters’ actions “to separate Hong Kongers.” Leaders of the pro-democracy movement said the New Year’s Day protest was “quite peaceful.”

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