Protesters clash with riot police at Hong Kong's airport for 5th straight day — here's what they're fighting over

A violent clash between pro-Democracy protesters and riot police continued into a fifth day at Hong Kong's airport on Tuesday.

A protest leader accused the government in Hong Kong of "state terrorism" when pressed by MSNBC hosts about charges from the government that the protests were devolving into terrorism.

"State terrorism is what is being experienced by Hong Kong people," said Joshua Wong.

"Especially when riot police indiscriminately fire two dozen teargas to ordinary citizens, journalists, first aider and protester," he added.

Wong referenced a young lady who was injured by riot police and was left with permanent blindness is one eye.

A startling video from the protest showed a riot police officer attacking a woman who was looking into a bag. Protesters swarmed the officer, took his baton and began to beat him with it. The officer then pulled a gun to scatter the protesters.

Protesters have shut down operations at the airport for the second day in a row, while the protest at the airport is in its fifth day overall.

Extradition and political oppression

He also outlined the main demands of the protesters.

"We urge government to terminate the extradition bill that still exists, to stop police brutality, and our cause for free elections will never stop," Wong explained.

Extradition of prisoners to China became a flashpoint for pro-Democracy protesters because China is one of the worst human rights violators for political prisoners.

"We just hope to elect our own government instead of being manipulated by Beijing," he added, referring to the government capital of China.

"The leader of Hong Kong should represent the people instead of be the puppet of communist authorities," he concluded.

Hong Kong officials have warned the protesters that they are reaching a point of no return, but demonstrators say that they are resisting totalitarian encroachment by Chinese officials.

Some protesters have begun waving the American flag and singing the U.S. national anthem to call attention to their demand for individual rights.

Their calls for government to respect their civil rights have been supported by many leaders in the West.

"To the thousands of young people in Hong Kong who are speaking UP for human rights and speaking OUT against the Communist Party of China: we see you waving the American flag, and we hear you singing our national anthem," tweeted House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).

"America stands for freedom," he added. "America stands with Hong Kong."

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) agreed.

"30 years after Tiananmen Square all Americans stand with the peaceful protesters in Hong Kong. These protests highlight the moral authority of their demands for Freedom and Democracy," he tweeted.

"This is becoming a defining moment for US-China relations," he added.

Here's the interview with Joshua Wong:

Pro-Democracy Activist: Hong Kong 'Transformed Into A Police State' | Velshi & Ruhle | MSNBCwww.youtube.com