Massive police presence blunts Hong Kong protests on China’s National Day

At least 74 people were arrested for taking part in an unauthorised assembly on National Day in Hong Kong on October 1, 2020, as riot police patrolled the city, and stopped and searched passers-by. Hong Kong had been bracing for potential chaos during events marking the 71st anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. But after authorities deployed some 6,000 officers, there were more police than protesters on the streets. This year's National Day was the first in Hong Kong since Beijing imposed a national security law on the city, which activists say severely limits freedom of expression.