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Hong Kong Protesters Disrupt Commuter Rail Service

VOA News

   Pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong descended into the city's subway
   system Tuesday, blocking commuters from exiting their trains.

   Service was delayed and partially suspended at some stations along the
   route, forcing commuters to wait in long lines for free shuttle bus
   service to other subway stops. Clashes broke out between demonstrators
   and angry, frustrated commuters eager and anxious to get to work.

   The protests have morphed from a call to end the now-suspended bill to
   extradite Hong Kong residents charged with criminal offenses in China,
   into demonstrations for democratic reforms and an end to Beijing's
   tightening grip on the territory.

   It is the worst social turmoil to rock the former British colony since
   it returned to Chinese rule 22 years ago.

   A Chinese government official on Monday called on the people of Hong
   Kong to oppose violence and accused some Western politicians of
   stirring unrest.

   Yang Guang, a spokesman for China's cabinet-level Hong Kong and Macao
   Affairs Office, also reiterated the government's support for Hong
   Kong's embattled chief executive Carrie Lam.