Protesters March Through Sham Shui Po Despite Ban

Thousands of people started marching from the Maple Street Playground in Sham Shui Po on Sunday afternoon, in an anti-extradition protest that was supposedly cancelled after failing to get police approval.

All three west-bound lanes of Cheung Sha Wan Road were taken over by the demonstrators.

The march is expected to end the Sham Shui Po Sports Ground.

Many of those turning up voiced discontent over the arrest of a student leader Keith Fong on Tuesday after he purchased 10 laser pointers in the district - even though he has since been released.

One protester said: "It is so ridiculous that we just buy a laser pen and get caught by the police. There are are also different people being arrested in the past in Sham Shui Po because ... we have had actions before."

Another said: "It is our right to come out, and even though the police didn't grant their permission for us to have this walk ... It is actually the oppression of the government and the police that causes so many people to come out even though it is not legal."

Many shops in the area are closed, some with notices on the shutters saying "Do not hit". The owners of some other shops that have stayed open say they may close in the afternoon if things get too rowdy, as they worry people may be injured.

Rubbish bins in the area have been chained to railings while large water barriers have been placed around Sham Shui Po police station. The station was besieged by an angry crowd on Tuesday night following the arrest of Baptist University student union leader Fong.