28 May 2020

Hundreds arrested after Hong Kong protests

From Morning Report, 6:47 am on 28 May 2020

Pro-democracy protesters have taken to the streets once more in Hong Kong, with 300 people arrested.

The protests have been staged in a response to two controversial laws being put through the legislative council.

The first, which was read today, would criminalise insulting the Chinese national anthem, and impose a fine of over 10,000 New Zealand dollars to anyone caught.

The second is a security law, being forced through by Beijing, which protesters say will strip citizens of basic freedoms.

Countries from around the world, including the US, UK and Australia, have raised concerns over the law, which have been dismissed by the Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam.

Marches took place in a number of districts across the city.

In response, police fired pellets of pepper spray to try to disperse the crowds.

Producer Harry Lock speaks to Beijing correspondent Patrick Fok.