An HSBC branch is vandalized by rioters in south China's Hong Kong, Jan. 1, 2020. (Xinhua)
The glass wall of a branch of HSBC bank was smashed by rioters on Wednesday afternoon. It was not the first time for Hong Kong's largest bank to be targeted by rioters.
HONG KONG, Jan. 1 (Xinhua) -- A group of masked rioters vandalized a branch of HSBC bank on the Hennessy Road during a demonstration on the Hong Kong Island Wednesday afternoon.
The glass wall of the bank was smashed by rioters passing by at about 3:50 p.m. local time. It was not the first time for Hong Kong's largest bank to be targeted by rioters. An HSBC branch in Mong Kok was trashed on Christmas Eve.
According to the plan filed with the police, protesters first gathered at the Victoria Park at noon before marching toward Chater Road as the destination.
Violent protesters poured red paint over a lion sculpture under HSBC Headquarters building adjacent to the destination of the protest in the Central district. Some spray-painted the protective white planks at the entrance of an HSBC branch in vicinity of the Victoria Park.
Rioters block road near Lockhart Road in south China's Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2020. (Xinhua)
Some other businesses also fell victim to the violence on the New Year's Day. The glass door of the building of China Life Insurance was also destroyed by rioters during the demonstration.
The glass windows of a Starbucks cafe in Tin Hau was smashed, and an outlet of Hui's Brothers Currency Exchange was painted with graffiti.
A spokesperson of the government of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) called on residents to leave as soon as possible after arriving at the finishing point of the protest and not to participate in illegal and violent activities, and stressed the police will carry out strict law enforcement.
The spokesperson said the HKSAR government always respects the freedom of residents to hold peaceful assemblies and express opinions in a reasonable way. ■
