Hong Kong police arrest democracy protestors on Christmas

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asiapacific/hong-kong-police-arrest/1548972.html

Hong Kong police said Thursday (Dec 25) they had arrested a dozen pro-democracy protesters after a night of clashes in the first sizeable rally since the last protest camp was cleared last week.

Police used pepper spray and batons to disperse hundreds of protesters who crowded the pavements Christmas Eve and at times rushed into traffic on major roads in Mongkok district.

Protesters in the busy shopping district of Causeway Bay raised yellow crosses and umbrellas as they sang Christmas carols and yelled: "Our Christmas wish is that I want real universal suffrage".

"They caused chaos and blocked roads," police said in a statement. "Police arrested 10 men and two women, aged between 13 and 43," the statement said, adding they were detained for assaulting police officers, obstructing a police officer and disorderly conduct, among other charges.

News footage showed protesters, one of whom had a bloodied head, being pressed to the ground by several officers.

Police said two officers were injured in the operation which lasted into the small hours of Christmas Day.

Pro-democracy campaigners are still making their voices heard despite the clearances. Large banners have appeared on landmarks and pop-up markets sell movement memorabilia, in addition to smaller protest gatherings.