Hong Kongers brave thunderstorms to take part in more anti-govt rallies

The tenor of clashes has intensified this week

Thousands of Hong Kongers including many teachers took part in more anti-government rallies on Saturday, braving thunderstorms to march past shops shuttered due to growing concern that police could adopt tougher tactics to drive activists from the streets. 

Following an escalation in violence over the past few days, the rallies this weekend are a key test of whether the protest movement can retain the broad support that it has appeared to enjoy. The peaceful turnout suggested it may, though the protests turned more confrontational by nightfall.

The protests began as opposition to a now-suspended extradition bill but have since grown