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Hong Kong police used pepper gas to disperse groups protesting against consideration of the bill on the state anthem of China.

hundreds of people took to the streets in the business center during the lunch break. The police asked them to disperse, threatening to arrest for participating in unlawful Assembly, according to RTHK broadcasting Corporation.

on Wednesday, the legislative Assembly intends to discuss the bill. It provides for criminal liability for defamation and misuse of the national anthem of the PRC. Violators could face a sentence of three years in prison or a fine of up to $6.4 thousand.

on Monday Hong Kong authorities have called for the early adoption of the draft law on national security in the special administrative region of China. In their statement noted that in case of delay, Hong Kong could become a hotbed of terrorism and extremism.