Rallies held in Hong Kong to mark China national day
Anti-authoritarian protest comes after recent arrests of prominent prodemocracy activists
Thousands of people took to the streets of Hong Kong yesterday to mark China’s national day with a pro-democracy rally and to voice growing fears that the city’s liberties are under threat from Beijing.
The protest, dubbed an “anti-authoritarian rally”, comes after recent arrests of prominent pro-democracy activists including a former lawmaker have renewed antiChina sentiment.
A number of other activists including founding members of mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014, which blocked thoroughfares for 79 days, are also facing charges and possible jail terms.
“Authoritarian rule has already become Hong Kong’s reality in Hong Kong,” Benny Tai, one of the founders of the movement told protesters.
“We are having today’s rally … because we hope more Hong Kong people will see the true nature of the government,” Tai, a law professor, said.
Rally participants singled out the city’s leader, Carrie Lam, and justice secretary, Rimsky Yuen, along with Chinese President Xi Jinping with their pictures placed on placards saying “authoritarian clown”.
Others carried a black banner mimicking the Chinese national flag with five yellow stars drawn on it, with around 5,000 taking part in the rally, according to estimates by an AFP reporter at the scene.
Sparking dissent
University student Vince Ho, 21, said the authorities’ hardline approach was likely to spur others into action. “I think it would even encourage more people to come out to redress the injustice,” she said.
City leader Lam yesterday morning called for unity in her first national day speech since she became chief executive in July. “As long as we capitalise on our strengths, stay focused … and stand united, I am sure that Hong Kong can reach even greater heights,” she said.