HONG KONG: Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters extended a blockade of Hong Kong streets on which has not only created shortage in supply but also endangered country’s economic activities.
The protestors again resume control of streets near government buildings on Tuesday after the riot police shot pepper spray and tear gas at protesters at the weekend. The police are now occupying only an area around the government headquarters.
The protesters, mostly students, have been demanding full democracy and have called on Leung to step down after Beijing ruled a month ago that it would vet candidates wishing to run for Hong Kong’s leadership in 2017.
Financial experts were of the view that the financial fallout from the turmoil has been limited so far as investors estimate how severe Beijing’s response might be.
However, the Hong Kong shares fell to a three-month low on Tuesday, registering their biggest monthly fall since May 2012 due to protests.
Some businesses have been directly affected, including luxury retailers in the Causeway Bay shopping mecca where protesters hunkered down.
Moreover, the outside world has looked on warily, concerned that the clashes could spread and trigger a much harsher crackdown on world economies.
