Hong Kong readies for more mass protests after huge, peaceful rally

Pro-democracy protesters shield themselves with umbrellas in tear gas as they clash with police in Hong Kong, China. [Reuters]

Hong Kong is gearing up for more protests this week after hundreds of thousands of anti-government demonstrators braved heavy rain to rally peacefully on Sunday, marking a change to what have often been violent clashes.

Sunday’s turnout of an estimated 1.7 million people, according to the rally’s organizers, showed that the movement still has widespread support despite chaotic scenes last week when protesters occupied the Chinese-ruled city’s airport. Some activists have apologized for events at the airport.