Tear gas hits the ground within the Occupy Central camp in Admiralty.
We were inside the Occupy Central camp, which consisted of the streets in between the Central Government Complex, the Legislative Council Complex and Citic Tower. Outside, was a barricade of police and their vans, and beyond them, was the much larger crowd of protesters who were stopped from entering the Occupy Central camp. They first started firing tear gas at the larger crowd, on Harcour Road and Connaught Road Central, then at inside the camp at 6pm.
Many people have seen the “Stop Charging” sign but the orange “DISPERSE OR WE FIRE” signs were new to most. There was some confusion on what “we fire” meant.
The police first threw tear gas into the larger crowd on Harcourt Road and Connaught Road Central.
They then threw cannisters into the camp. Many protesters had umbrellas ready to defend against pepper spray. But one man, holding an inverted silver umbrella, used it to try to stop tear gas cannisters.
The crowds started running. Tear gas causes coughing and a burning sensation in the eyes, mouth, and skin.
The crowds, anticipating the use of tear gas and pepper spray, donned ponchos, eye goggles, face masks, and umbrellas.
We started running, too.
The tear gas formed an opaque cloud of smoke, engulfing some protesters.
The crowds were told to disperse, and disperse they did. People started walking towards Tamar Park.
People handed out wet towels to help relieve the pain.
An elderly man wiping his face with a towel soaked in water.
The only child we spotted within the camp that day.
People handed out water for people to wash their skin.
Many were in shock, and emotional.
Most seemed to be doing okay.
People streaming into Tamar Park.
Medical tents provided additional care if needed.
The floors were wet from people washing out their eyes, faces and exposed skin.
Photos: Laurel Chor/Coconuts Hong Kong
Reader Interactions