Hundreds Join Anti-govt Protest At Chek Lap Kok

Hundreds of people staged a protest at Hong Kong airport on Friday afternoon in the hope of raising international awareness of the city's ongoing political struggle sparked by the extradition bill controversy.

Airport and airline workers joined other protesters for the demonstration in the arrivals hall, handing out flyers to tourists and setting up a "Lennon Wall" for people to post their own messages.

Curious visitors were looking down from the departures hall as the demonstrators displayed creative protest-related artwork and banners in a number of languages.

Many of the participants were dressed in black as they staged a sit-in protest, explaining how they want to "safeguard" Hong Kong and warning that after the mob attacks in Yuen Long last Sunday, they fear the city is no longer a safe place.

People also queued up to sign a petition calling on the government to listen to the public's demands over the extradition bill controversy.

An airport worker, who gave his name as Mike, said they are very keen for visitors to learn more about the protests that have now lasted for weeks.

"Freedom for Hong Kong is essential for this city to continue to operate as it always has done. So it's very important that we get international support and awareness of what the Carrie Lam government is trying to do to the Hong Kong society" he said.

A woman heading to Cambodia with her husband and baby expressed support for the protesters: "I think it is actually quite intelligent to do it in an airport because maybe the protesters are protected a bit," she said.

"I think these people are really brave to do it. They're putting themselves at risk but they're expressing a voice and an opinion that is valid. It's good to see", she said.

A pilot who had just flown back into Hong Kong also turned up to show his support for the protesters. "The government is not able to manage the Hong Kong scenario now," he said.

He was also critical of the police response to the Yuen Long violence. "Hong Kong police are not capable of doing anything. They bully those who join the protests but when facing the gangsters, they just turn away."

The pilot also praised the protesters for their orderly conduct. "Today, as far as I can see, they are behaving well. They are not blocking the exits, just sitting here and shouting, trying to get everyone's attention," he said.

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