The United States is encouraging all sides to exercise restraint as massive protests in Hong Kong took a violent turn Wednesday with police clashing with protesters who opposed a controversial extradition bill.

Officers wearing helmets and carrying shields lined up on streets, firing tear gas, rubber bullets and pepper spray to push back protesters, some of whom overturned barricades and threw objects at police.  Hospital authorities said at least 72 people were injured. 

The demonstrations forced the legislature to postpone Wednesday's session where lawmakers were scheduled to debate the proposed legislation.

The prospect of extradition to mainland China in particular, which has a substantially different legal system, has alarmed a wide cross section of Hong Kong — from international business groups to legal societies and pro-democracy parties.

In Washington, President Donald Trump said he was sure China and Hong Kong would be able to "work things out" after the mass protests turned violent.

At the State Department, spokeswoman Morgan Ortagus encouraged all sides to refrain from violence.

Source : VOA