https://s3.reutersmedia.net/resources/r/?m=02&d=20200527&t=2&i=1520000980&r=LYNXMPEG4Q0BN&w=1280
A riot police officer fires his weapon during a protest in Central Government Complex as a second reading of a controversial national anthem law takes place in Hong Kong, China May 27, 2020. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu

Hong Kong police fire pepper pellets as protests flare in financial heart

HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong riot police fired pepper pellets on Wednesday to disperse protesters in the heart of the global financial centre, where Beijing’s proposed national security laws have revived anti-government demonstrations.

Police also surrounded the Legislative Council amid soaring tensions over perceived threats to the city’s freedoms as activists called for protests against a bill to criminalise disrespect of the Chinese anthem.