Agnes Chow and Andy Chan arrested with Wong on the eve of a new anti-government demonstration, banned by the authorities. About 900 people have been arrested since June, when protests against the extradition bill began. Fears are growing that China may intervene by sending troops to the mainland.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Hong Kong police this morning arrested well-known democracy activists Joshua Wong and Agnes Chow (photo 1) for their involvement in "an illegal assembly".
The 23-year-old Wong is accused of three crimes: organization, incitement and participation in an illegal rally on the occasion of the siege of Wan Chai police headquarters on June 21 last. Chow - the same age as Wong - is accused of incitement and participation in the same events.
During the night, the police also arrested Andy Chan (29 years old, photo 2), one of the founders of the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party - an outlaw since last September. The arrests come on the eve of a new anti-government demonstration, banned by the authorities. What will open tomorrow would be the 13th consecutive weekend of protests. The police refused permission for the rally, citing public safety concerns. According to rumors, protesters should meet regardless.
Two days ago the police said that around 900 people have been arrested since the protests triggered by a controversial extradition bill began in early June. With the government project now suspended, rallies have evolved into a broader movement that demands democratic reforms and an investigation into police violence. The demonstrations often resulted in violence between police and activists, with injuries on both sides.
There are growing fears that China may intervene by sending troops to the mainland. Yesterday, these concerns were fueled after the Chinese military sent a new troop contingent to Hong Kong. Chinese state media have described it as "an ordinary annual rotation".
The recent protests have no formal leaders, but for many Joshua Wong is a reference figure for his role in the 2014 rallies, known as the "Umbrella Movement" (Occupy Central). His arrest followed a few weeks after he was released from prison in June, when the young man finished serving his sentence for his involvement in the 2014 protests.