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Eight suicides linked to Hong Kong protests as families torn over ‘cynical’ withdrawal of bill

Demonstrators reject a gesture by the leader, Carrie Lam, as too little too late and are planning a rally for China’s National Day
A police officer forces back protesters and reporters in Hong Kong last night, with no sign of an end to the confrontations
A police officer forces back protesters and reporters in Hong Kong last night, with no sign of an end to the confrontations
CHRIS MCGRATH

Protesters in Hong Kong clashed with riot police again last night, signalling a failure by the chief executive, Carrie Lam, to defuse the crisis — as evidence emerged of the strain the trouble is placing on politically divided families and friends.

On Sunday morning thousands of protesters called on Donald Trump to liberate the city by chanting the US national anthem and waving the US flag. “Fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong,” they shouted.

Lam’s announcement on Wednesday, formally withdrawing the controversial extradition bill that sparked the protests 14 weeks ago, is seen as too little too late.

The Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF), which supports the protests, said it would apply for permission from police to hold a demonstration on October