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In photos: Hong Kong police use tear gas at Christmas protests

Riot police motion pedestrians away on a Mongkok district street in Hong Kong on Christmas Day. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

A Hong Kong mall closed early as police fired tear gas to break up protests Wednesday, Reuters reports, as the city's leader Carrie Lam said on Facebook the Christmas demonstrations had "ruined" celebrations.

Why it matters: After a period of relative calm, clashes between police and protesters erupted again this week at rallies in shopping districts. On Tuesday, police also used rubber bullets, per the New York Times. Authorities hoped the withdrawal of an extradition bill that triggered the protests six months ago would've quelled the unrest that's often left the Asian financial hub paralyzed. But it looks set to continue into the new year.

Riot police during a protest in Mong Kok district. Photo: Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
Pedestrians react after police fire teargas during a demonstration on Christmas Eve. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Plain clothes police during a clash with protesters in a shopping mall. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A volunteer medic assists a pedestrian after police fire teargas on the city's streets. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Many protesters dressed in festive attire during the demonstrations. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Riot police secure an area in shopping mall. Photo: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images

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Editor's note: This article has been updated with more photos and details on the latest unrest.

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