Police Harassed Hong kong Lawmakers over Protester’s Death

Seven Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers were either detained or faced arrest today, a move that could escalate public fury a day after the death of a university student linked to months of anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.

The 22-year-old died yesterday, succumbing to injuries four days after falling from a parking garage when police fired tear gas during clashes with protesters.

Although the circumstance of his death is unclear, many blame police who have been accused of heavy-handed tactics including widespread use of tear gas and pepper spray since the unrest began in June.

Police said three lawmakers were detained and charged with obstructing the local assembly during a raucous May 11 meeting over a now-shelved China extradition bill that sparked five months of protests calling for democratic reforms.