Hong Kong (CNN)A Hong Kong police officer fired a live shot into the air as protesters squared off against police armed with water cannons Sunday, in one of the most violent nights seen since mass pro-democracy protests began 12 weekends ago.
Commentary in Chinese state media Sunday signaled that Beijing is losing patience with protesters. State-run media outlet Xinhua said the central government had the “authority” and “responsibility” to intervene and prevent riots in Hong Kong — reiterating comments made by former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, who oversaw Hong Kong’s return to China from British rule under a dual governance setup, which gives the city a separate legal system with more democratic freedoms until 2047.
Sunday’s pro-democracy protests had begun peacefully. Thousands braved a thunderstorm to march from Kwai Chung to Tseun Wan district, in the city’s New Territories. They showed up dressed in plastic ponchos and rain coats, and huddled under a sea of umbrellas.
