Tear Gas Collection a Crime

Protesters trying to put out tear gas with water on the streets of Hong Kong

In the past five months, the Hong Kong police have fired around 10,000 canisters of tear gas at protesters and bystanders, and even those at home when the distinctive peppery smell wafts into their flats.

The vast majority of Hongkongers have had a "tear gas buffet", though breathing in the fumes is carcinogenic.

Police have fired over 10,000 rounds of tear gas

And so it's understandable for reporters and activists alike to collect these spent canisters to try to estimate how many rounds were fired.

Some residents have collected the canisters and strung them together on walkways as a kind of protest art.

But it turns out you need a license to carry ammunition, even when they're spent.

Chow Man, a 26-year-old reporter found that out the hard way when he was caught by police at an MTR exit at Sai Wan Ho in the early hours of November 18 to be in possession of spent tear gas canisters, tear gas grenades, sponge grenade and rubber bullet.

The spent canisters have been used to make protest art

He was charged with possession of ammunition without a license today in Eastern Court, but Chow was denied bail. While he didn't have to enter his plea, his next court date won't be until January 14.

If convicted, Chow could face a sentence of up to 14 years in jail and a fine of up to HK$100,000.

So even trying to clean up the streets of Hong Kong of tear gas canisters and rubber bullets is a crime...

Meanwhile there are reports of lots of birds spotted dead on the ground, thanks to inhaling so much tear gas.