Hong Kong readies for New Year democracy rally

Hong Kong was readying for a massive pro-democracy rally after seeing in the New Year with an evening of peaceful protests. But, these turned into tear gas-choked clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police.

Thousands gathered before midnight across the financial hub, including along Victoria Harbour and at a nightlife hotspot.

 

The city has been



battered by more than six months of unrest with millions marching.

Confrontations in which police have fired tear gas and rubber bullets have also taken place, while protesters have responded with petrol bombs.

Police have arrested nearly 6,500 people since June - nearly a third of them aged under 20.