Pictures of the Year: A Picture and its Story
A riot police officer pepper sprays an anti-government protester during a demonstration at Causeway Bay district in Hong Kong, China, September 29, 2019. Reuters Photographer Tyrone Siu: "In this picture, an elderly man was pepper sprayed in the face by riot police in Hong Kong. This man was different from the usual protestors Ð especially the more radical ones at the frontline of the conflict who were usually young, black-clad and wearing protective gear. This man was among the locals from the neighbourhood who came to complain about the heavy police presence in Causeway Bay, one of the busiest shopping and residential districts in the city. The officers were there to disperse crowds who joined an unauthorised anti-government rally during a series of ongoing protests triggered by an extradition bill amendment. The residents shouted insults at the police and accused them of endangering the area, while the riot police, who appeared to lose patience, responded by spraying one of the men in the face. What surprised me was how fearless the unarmed residents were when faced with a full army of police officers equipped with lethal weapons. Even after the man was sprayed, the others were undeterred, if not more enraged and stayed on to express their anger." REUTERS/Tyrone Siu/File Photo SEARCH "POY STORIES 2019" FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH "WIDER IMAGE" FOR ALL STORIES. TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
