The Christmas holidays haven't stopped anti-government demonstrators from protesting in Hong Kong. In clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters, the police used tear gas and pepper spray to stop protesters gathered at various shopping districts.
On Christmas, even the police were battling protesters, who were throwing petrol bombs.
The city's embattled leader Carrie Lam said that the protestors had ruined Christmas celebrations for several residents and tourists. She also said that "Such illegal acts have not only dampened the festive mood but also adversely affected local businesses," in a Facebook post.
On Wednesday, police arrested several protesters who were shouting "Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our times!" using pepper spray.
The protests began in June against a bill that would have allowed the extradition of criminal suspects to China. The movement has since evolved into one demanding democratic reform.
Protesters on Christmas, however, revelled in the holiday spirit, gathered outside a tiny restaurant in Hong Kong for an unconventional Christmas dinner, sharing paper plates piled high with food under neon street signs.
Glory, the owner of Kwong Wing Catering, who handed out noodles, fried chicken and pasta said, "Actually, there is no Christmas atmosphere (this year), but there is a strong sense of unity." A lot of food was donated by several sponsors. Several customers and tourists too, queued outside the eatery at the popular Tsim Sha Tsui area.
Kwon Wing Catering has been one of the organisations that have supported the pro-democracy movement.
