Riot police raise their pepper spray projectile inside a shopping mall as they disperse anti-government protesters during a rally, in Hong Kong, China May 10, 2020. (Photo by Reuters)

Anti-government Protesters clashed with police in Hong Kong mall on Sunday, May 10, and police used pepper pellets to disperse them.

The government has imposed restrictions on gathering and turned it into a crackdown on freedom of assembly, not only for the human rights of citizens, said protester Enoch Cha, I think this is a gross violation of human rights.

Some protesters held black banners advocating Hong Kong’s independence and groups sang the popular protest anthem Glory to Hong Kong.

Anger against the government remains widespread in Hong Kong, which was shaken by often-violent clashes between police and pro-democracy protesters in the second half of last year.

Social distancing amid the COVID-19 pandemic has largely put a brake on protests since January, but demonstrations are expected to resume later this year.

(Source: Reuters)