Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters defy police

The protesters wore black and held umbrellas, chanting anti-police slogans while marching through the territory's business district, reported BBC.

The city police reportedly gave permission to demonstrators for a rally in Chater Garden but clairfied that protests outside it was illegal.

On Saturday, the Hong Kong Police fired tear gas shells on thousands of pro-democracy protesters in northern district of Yuen Long who had gathered for an unauthorized demonstration in the city, media reports said.

Hong Kong has witnessed anti-government and pro-democracy protests in recent times.

The protests were sparked by a controversial bill that would have enabled extraditions to mainland China. The government has since halted the legislation - but protesters are now also demanding an inquiry into police violence, democratic reform, and that the territory's leader Carrie Lam resign, reported BBC.

Police had reportedly banned Saturday's protest as they feared it might trigger violent clashes between protesters and residents.