Police clash with Uighur supporters during Hong Kong rally

Hong Kong protesters finding common cause with human rights movements elsewhere in China have clashed with police at a rally in support of the Uighurs.

People wearing masks stand during a rally to show support for Uighurs and their fight for human rights. Source: AP

Clashes have broken out between Hong Kong police and protesters at a rally in support of China's Uighur minority.

Police arrested two protesters who were attempting to burn a Chinese flag at the rally on Sunday, which was attended by several hundred people.

Riot policemen arrest protesters during a rally to show support for Uighurs and their fight for human rights. Source: AP

Some protesters were holding signs emblazoned with the blue and white flag of the independence movement in the northwestern Chinese territory of Xinjiang.

China has been accused of a mass crackdown against Uighurs and other predominantly Muslim minorities in Xinjiang, with reports of millions of people being held in heavily secured, prison-like camps.

People hold flags during a rally to show support for Uighurs and their fight for human rights. Source: AP

Chinese diplomats have claimed that China holds no political prisoners and insist the centres provide vocational education as a bulwark against religious extremism.

Hong Kong, a semi-autonomous Chinese territory, has been in the grip of a pro-democracy movement for the past six months, with many protesters finding common cause with human rights movements elsewhere in China and beyond.