Hong Kong (CNN) The young protesters who have thronged Hong Kong’s streets for three months warned the city’s leaders from the beginning: “If we burn, you burn with us.”
That threat seemed all the more real on Saturday, as black smoke poured into the sky from a huge bonfire set by protesters following violent clashes with police outside the city’s legislature. Petrol bombs and bricks were thrown during that standoff, as police replied by firing a water cannon and round after round of tear gas.
Violence continued late into the night, as police officers surrounded by protesters let off warning shots and riot cops were later seen charging into a subway station and attacking alleged protesters on a train. On Sunday, it was protesters who targeted the subway, shutting down and vandalizing several stations after an hours-long standoff which paralyzed transport to and from the city’s airport.
As the violence continues to escalate, Hong Kong’s leaders have made clear they will not negotiate on any of the movement’s key demands, despite calling for “dialogue.”
The government’s message to protesters seems to be go home empty-handed or risk a major crackdown — which, at its most extreme, could involve the military.
But there are signs that gamble could backfire. Protesters have shown no hesitation to causing disruption to the city’s economy and daily life.
As the mood becomes more nihilistic and angry, some may even welcome a crackdown.
James Griffiths 