Friday, March 12, 2010

HK - Acid Attacks

Stories: Living in Hong Kong | Asian Correspondent
“how do you guys avoid acid attacks?”.

Honestly, I didn’t respond to the question because I don’t know what to answer. I have no way of safeguarding myself, my wife or visitors coming to Hong Kong against the seemingly random act of acid throwing from rooftops above crowded streets. Avoiding Causeway Bay, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po, the three major targets, seems to be the only way to do so. But it’s difficult to ignore these places. Causeway Bay is one good place for people watching and discount shopping. Mong Kok’s famous for its hawker stalls for bargain hunters, while Sham Shui Po is the place to be for electronic buffs.

Last night another acid attack in Sham Shui Po was thought to be linked to three previous attacks in the district, according to the police. One of the reasons for this possible link is that the attacks share a common characteristic: strong acid was placed in a Blue Girl beer bottle. The latest attack happened at 6.30pm on Apliu Street and one pedestrian was hit by the corrosive liquid. A shopkeeper helped the middle-aged victim wash the liquid off his cheeks.

This attack is the 12th in a series of attacks since December 2008 that have injured more than 100 people, while stoking fear in many others.


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