Protesters ask Trump to ‘liberate’ Hong Kong from China

Protesters on Sunday called on President Trump to “liberate” Hong Kong from China, singing the Star Spangled Banner and waving the Stars and Stripes as they marched through the city.

Pro-democracy demonstrators marched to the U.S. Consulate in Hong Kong, according to Reuters, where they handed over petitions.

“Fight for Freedom, stand with Hong Kong,” they shouted. “Resist Beijing, liberate Hong Kong.”

According to The Associated Press, protesters carried signs that read “President Trump, please liberate Hong Kong.”

The AP notes that protesters want the U.S. Congress to pass legislation that proposes sanctions against officials who suppress democracy and human rights in the semi-autonomous region. The Hong Kong Democratic and Human Rights Act could also affect Hong Kong’s preferential trade status with the U.S., the news service added.

The protests – now in their third month – were sparked by legislation that would’ve allowed the extradition of Hong Kong citizens to China.

Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, last week formally announced the withdrawal of the measure in hopes of bringing an end to the turmoil in the city.

Protests have evolved to more general anti-government demonstrations, with Lam becoming a primary target of the backlash.

Reuters reports windows were smashed and street fires were set Sunday in the city’s banking and shopping district, adding that police clashed with protesters who threw stones.