External forces are involved in pro-democracy protests that have occupied parts of the financial capital for more than three weeks, Hong Kong’s chief executive has claimed.
Leung Chun-ying said in a televised interview that “there is obviously participation by people, organisations from outside of Hong Kong”.
He said they came from “different countries in different parts of the world” but did not specify which nations.
The comments mark the first time he has alleged outside involvement in the protests.
China’s central government has for weeks accused outside groups of stirring up the unrest but has not produced evidence backing up the claims.
The Hong Kong Federation of Students immediately rejected the accusations, with secretary general Alex Chow saying Mr Leung was “just making it up”.