Hong Kong police are preparing to mobilise in their thousands in a bid to stop tonight’s New Year’s Eve celebrations turning into pro-democracy protests.
At least 6,000 officers will be deployed to help seal off certain roads in Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay and prevent so-called “mobile occupation”, whereby protesters fill the pavements under the guise of going “shopping”.
No less than 37 were arrested on Christmas night and Boxing Day for similar action.
Yesterday, the police announced that some pro-democracy activists are still “blocking the roads and causing chaos” in Mong Kok, adding that they have “not only affected the business of the shops there, but also caused serious nuisance to the residents nearby.”
They warn that anyone suspected of said nuisance tonight will feel the wrath of their “resolute enforcement”.
You have been warned, kids.
Some shopping malls are also taking no chances of having their celebrations hijacked by the political campaign.
For the first time in 20 years, Hongkongers will have to start the New Year without watching the ball drop in Times Square.
That’s 2015 screwed already then.
Photo: Alex Hotz/Coconuts Media
