Local police used pepper spray to disperse Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters on Monday after activists rallied against China's decision to end full democracy in the special administrative region.

On Monday, the police interfered when rallies broke in the streets of Hong Kong as Deputy Secretary-General Li Fei of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress tried to explain mainland China's decision.

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A 21-year-old social worker identified only as 'Kit' told the press that the police used pepper spray on him and four others while they were peacefully rallying.

When asked if the incident occurred, an officer just nodded and did not explain further. Other police officers have declined to comment on the matter.

However, Reuters and Yahoo News have confirmed that the Hong Kong police indeed used pepper spray against activists who tried to plow down metal barricades to interrupt the senior official's address.

Demonstrators held placards with slogans like "shameful", "loss of faith" and "breach of promise."

On Sunday, China's NPC ruled that Hong Kong's leaders should be approved by a committee loyal to Beijing and mark its stance on Hong Kong's plea for democracy.

Beijing's decision ignited a political showdown between Hong Kong democrats who demonstrated right away and said would fight for their freedom to choose their leader in the upcoming 2017 elections.

Li's speech, which was supposed to explain Beijing's decision, had sparked further protest after he dubbed the Hong Kong activist group Occupy Central as 'illegal.'

Though widely expected, Beijing's decision kindled Hong Kong democrats' rage after China reneged its previous statement that it would allow Hong Kong residents to choose leaders without interference from the mainland.

During the pro-democracy rally held last July that marked the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese rule, China promised to introduce universal suffrage in Hong Kong by 2017.

However, no implementing rules have been provided and were later forgotten.

TagsHong Kong, democracy