Nov 8, 2019 - World
Hong Kong protester's death stokes tensions
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The death of a 22-year-old college student has stoked tensions in Hong Kong as protests continue to call for democracy, reports the Washington Post.
Why it matters: Chow Tsz-lok's death may be the first directly tied to police confrontations with Hong Kong's protesters, sparking a new phase in the conflict as some marchers brandished signs calling for revenge.
- Chow fell from a parking garage while police were trying to disperse protesters on Monday, falling into a coma soon after.
- However, the exact circumstances of his fall were not clear as security cameras did not capture the incident and some reports placed him a distance from police.
What they're saying:
- The Hong Kong government released a statement saying they feel "great sorrow and regret" over Chow's death. Police are conducting a formal investigation into what happened.
- Some protesters claim that Chow fell while fleeing from the police, and that officials blocked the medical responders trying to reach him.
The big picture: Hong Kong's protest movement is heading into its 23rd weekend.
- Police violence has become a focal point of protesters' demands as Hong Kong's leader Carrie Lam has refused to call for an independent investigation into the force's actions.
Go deeper:
- Protests around the world aimed squarely at existing governments
- Hong Kong officers fire tear gas at police brutality protest crowds
- Capital markets feel the global protest wave
