Wed 14 August 2019:
Hong Kong police are touting their ability to spray protesters with dye in order to track participants.
Hong Kong Police Force Superintendent Louis Lau Siu-Pong said in avideo posted to Facebook on Sunday that police are looking to introduce a portable spraying device which would mist a dye, referred to in the video as “liquid color,” onto protesters during demonstrations. Police say the color is “edible and harmless to humans.”
According to police, the liquid color could also be added to other substances, like tear gas, in order to maximize impact. Once sprayed, the dye will stain skin and clothing, making it easier to identify protesters who frequently conceal their identities using masks, goggles, and other methods.
During the weeks of protests, police have deployed different dispersion methods such as rubber bullets, tear gas, and water hoses. Still, protests have endured for over two months and show no signs of slowing.
Police clashes with protesters have escalated in recent days. This weekend was marked by several large-scale protests, several of which turned violent, as thousands of people continue to flock to the streets of the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.
What initially started as a protest of against a proposed bill that would allow for the extradition of Hong Kong residents to mainland China for trial has ballooned into a fight to uphold democracy in region.
Peaceful demonstrations began on Friday in Tai Kok Tsui in the western Kowloon district, police said, though an offshoot group of protesters began heading south towards Tsim Sha Tsui and protested outside the police station. Protesters also blocked roads including the entrance to the Cross Harbor Tunnel which connects to Hong Kong Island.
Police used tear gas and other dispersal methods to remove protesters. Police say some “violent protesters” hurled petrol bombs, bricks, and glass bottles at police officers during the clashes.
Agencies contributed to this report: insider.com
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