Hong Kong’s New Year Celebrations Ruined by Violence, Riots

Violent riots erupted during the Lunar New Year festivities in Hong Kong as activists took matters into their own hands when the police tried to shut down illegal food vendors at the famous night market in Kowloon.

According to multiple reports, more than 100 people in the working-class area of Mong Kok got involved in the riots when the police decided to write out tickets in order close down shops that were illegally selling fish balls and other Chinese street foods. The police normally ignore illegal food vendors at the night market.

In the videos and pictures that have surfaces online via social media, people can be seen disobeying police orders to disperse. Many of the rioters turned violent with some throwing objects at injured police officers while others got into physical fights, throwing punches. Fires were also being set inside of bins as the riots continued.

In one video, a police officer fired his gun twice into the air to try and get the rioters to stop.

Throughout Monday night, news and updates of the riots spread quickly on Twitter with many people using the hashtag, "#fishballrevolution."

By Tuesday morning, the streets were filled with broken objects, burnt debris and bricks.

The police revealed that 61 people - 52 men and nine women between the ages of 15 and 70 - were arrested "on suspicion of assaulting and obstructing officers, resisting arrest and public disorder."

Hong Kong's Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying told reporters, reported by ABC News, "The government strongly condemns such violent acts. The police will apprehend the mobs and bring them to justice."
Leugn added, reported by BBC News, "the police will spare no effort to arrest the rioters."

This was the largest rebellion against authorities in Hong Kong since the 2014 pro-democracy protests, which were relatively more peaceful.