Largest protest in Hong Kong since last month’s elections
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Vast crowds of black-clad demonstrators thronged Hong Kong on Sunday in the largest anti-government protests since local elections last month that boosted the pro-democracy movement seeking to curb controls by China.
BBC reports “for the first time since August, police allowed a rally by the Civil Human Rights Front, a pro-democracy group. Organisers said an estimated 800,000 took part while police put the number at 183,000.
The Guardian reports that the march on Sunday was mostly peaceful, in a rare break from the escalating violent scenes of recent weeks. Chanting “Fight for freedom” and “Stand with Hong Kong”, a sea of protesters formed a mile-long human snake winding for blocks on Hong Kong Island, from the Causeway Bay shopping district to the Central business zone.
Police said 11 people were arrested in raids ahead of the rally and that a handgun was seized. The protests started in June over a controversial extradition bill, and have now evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. “I will fight for freedom until I die,” said June, a 40-year-old mother in Victoria Park, where protesters gathered.
Financial Times write that the ensuing months, the protests have increasingly descended into violence while the movement has expanded its demands to include universal suffrage and an inquiry into alleged police brutality. “I am here to fight for democracy and freedom,” said a 74-year-old protester, who identified himself only as Mr Chu. “We have been suppressed by an authoritarian government.”
