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Hong Kong protester's death stokes tensions

Hong Kong students and protesters gather to pay tribute to Chow Tsz-lok.
Photo: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images

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.

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