Hong Kong braces for weekend protests

MOHD RASFAN / AFP

Hong Kong is bracing itself for a weekend of fresh anti-government demonstrations.

A human chain at major Mass Transit Railway (MTR) lines on Friday night and a protest march on Sunday are part of the latest plans.

Police have rejected a permit request for the rally, citing public safety concerns, but an appeal has been filed for it to go ahead.

Last month, the Chinese-ruled territory's leader, Carrie Lam withdrew a controversial extradition bill that started the protests.

But she has not addressed any of the other key demands of the protesters, and many have called for her resignation.

Beijing has rejected claims it is undermining rights in Hong Kong, and has accused foreign countries of stirring up trouble.

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