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US Calls for Restraint as Hong Kong Protests Turn Violent

Nike Ching

   HONG KONG / STATE DEPARTMENT - The United States is encouraging all
   sides to exercise restraint as massive protests in Hong Kong took a
   violent turn Wednesday with police clashing with protesters who opposed
   a controversial extradition bill.

   Officers wearing helmets and carrying shields lined up on streets,
   firing tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray to push back
   protesters, some of whom overturned barricades and threw objects at
   police. Hospital authorities said at least 72 people were injured.

   The demonstrations forced the legislature to postpone Wednesday's
   session where lawmakers were scheduled to debate the proposed
   legislation.

   The prospect of extradition to mainland China in particular, which has
   a substantially different legal system, has alarmed a wide cross
   section of Hong Kong -- from international business groups to legal
   societies and pro-democracy parties.

   Hoping for solution

   In Washington, President Donald Trump said he was sure China and Hong
   Kong would be able to "work things out" after the mass protests turned
   violent.

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