Hundreds Arrive In To Kwa Wan Ahead Of The Rally

Hundreds of protesters have started arriving at To Kwa Wan ahead of a planned anti-extradition rally that is slated to start at 3.30pm.

The protesters ignored cloudy weather and intermittent rain as they headed to the starting point at the Hoi Sham Park.

This is the tenth consecutive weekend that protesters have organised demonstrations against the government, starting with calls for the withdrawal of the extradition law amendment bill and now expanded to more demands.

"It has lasted for two months already. During these two months the government has [accepted] nothing," said one protester. "They are afraid of the Chinese government."

Meanwhile a number of shops, including pharmacies, clinics and restaurants in Whampoa closed early on Saturday ahead of the start of the anti-extradition march.

On Friday, the Appeal Board on Public Meetings and Processions overturned a police ban on the march after organisers agreed on a different route. It will start from Hoi Sham Park in To Kwa Wan to the Whampoa MTR station, from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

The manager of a pharmacy in Whampoa said business is bad because of a drop in tour groups, so he closed the shop at around 10am.

He also said he isn't afraid if the police will fire of tear, but more of the protesters. "They vandalise, they block roads. It's like we are in an anarchy. How are we going to do business?" he asked.

He also said if they think what they are doing is right, they shouldn't be wearing face masks and reveal their identities.

A resident of Whampoa said he planned to go home early to stay off the streets.

Notices have been posted outside residential buildings warning that security guards won't open the door for anyone, and telling residents they have to use their key cards.