Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations were marred by violence after government officials cracked down on illegal food vendors selling fishballs and other local holiday delicacies.
Here’s what you need to know about the ongoing riots in Hong Kong.
Why are people rioting?
Clashes broke out between riot police and activists Monday night as police attempted to issue tickets to unlicensed food vendors in Mong Kok, a working-class neighbourhood.
According to the Associated Press, more than 60 people were arrested in the violence and dozens of people were injured as clashes spilled over into Tuesday.
Protesters pelted officers with paving stones, glass bottles and other pieces of debris. Some threw garbage cans, plastic safety barriers and wood from shipping pallets. They also set fires on the street.
Why are the unlicensed food vendors important?
The food stalls have been a long tradition that coincides with Lunar New Year festivities. Authorities have, in the past, turned a blind eye to the lack of permits by some vendors. This year, the government opted to crack down on the food stalls.
In the past locals would gather around the food stall which would typically sell fishballs, grilled meat and other homemade holiday fare.
Local support for “Hawkers”
The vendors (locally known as hawkers) were backed by activists who objected to the crackdown over concerns that Hong Kong’s local culture is disappearing as Beijing tightens its hold on the semiautonomous city, the Associated Press reported.
According to Reuters, protesters and “localists” have vowed to keep demonstrating in effort for more autonomy from the Communist rule.
“Umbrella Revolution” of 2014
What has been dubbed by many local activists on social media as #FishballRevolution, the Lunar New Year riot comes just two years after the “Umbrella Revolution” shut down much of central Hong Kong for 11 weeks.
Thousands of protesters took over many neighbourhoods, including Mong Kok, demanding more electoral freedoms from Beijing and the reach of the Communist Party.
Police were criticized for several violent interactions with demonstrators in what was mainly a peaceful protest.
Tensions remain high
Tensions in Hong Kong remain high after Chinese authorities detained three missing booksellers who police said are among five men connected to a publishing house that specialized in politically sensitive titles that are critical of the Chinses government.
The five are associated with publishing firm Mighty Current Media and its retail outlet Causeway Bay Bookshop. The company’s books on political scandals and intrigue involving China’s communist leaders are popular with mainland Chinese visitors to Hong Kong.
–with files from The Associated Press
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