Hundreds arrested in Hong Kong protests
Hong Kong police arrested more than 300 people on Wednesday (July 1) as protesters took to the streets in defiance of sweeping security legislation introduced by China.
Hong Kong police fired pepper pellets before arresting protesters inside and outside the luxurious Times Square shopping mall.
Police said they had made more than 300 arrests for illegal assembly and other offences, with nine involving suspected violations of the new law.
Earlier on Wednesday, water cannon was fired, and riot police used pepper spray on protesters and press at close range.
China unveiled the details of the much-anticipated law on Tuesday (June 30) after weeks of uncertainty.
A top Beijing official calling the law a birthday gift to Hong Kong.
The law punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces - with up to life in prison, heralding a more authoritarian era for China's freest city - and an Asian financial hub.
Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the legislation is aimed at a few "troublemakers" and will not affect rights and freedoms.
The protests followed a flag-raising ceremony Wednesday morning to mark the 23rd anniversary of the former British colony's handover to China.
Leader Carrie Lam said the law was the most important development since the city's return to Chinese rule.
"The enactment of the national law is regarded as the most significant development in the relationship between the Central Authorities and the HKSAR since Hong Kong's return to the Motherland. It is a historic step to improve the system in Hong Kong to safeguard our country's sovereignty, territorial integrity and security."
The new law will supersede existing Hong Kong laws where there is a conflict - and interpretation of the law's powers belongs to Beijing.
Judges for security cases will be appointed by the city's leader.
The law has been widely condemned around the globe.
And Taiwan said on Wednesday it had opened an office to help people fleeing from Hong Kong.
