WEBN

Hong Kong’s Protest for Freedom

October 2, 2014

Credit: Citobun via Wikimedia Commons
Credit: Citobun via Wikimedia Commons

Credit: Citobun via Wikimedia Commons

By Tashanea Whitlow  09-30-14

The political unrest that began in Hong Kong continued for a 5th day as protestors lined the streets in a show of disapproval for the central Chinese Government.

The pro-democratic demonstratations has crippled the city’s bustling downtown area, the heart of one of Asia’s business centers.

 

The protest is international embarrassment for the Chinese government as an unprecedented number of people have shown up for the demonstrations, holding candlelight vigils and sleeping in the streets. The Chinese government says demonstrations are illegal. Local police dressed in riot gear responded by wading into crowds with batons and used teargas and pepper spray to disburse the protests, to no avail. The protest began when students boycotted classes and joined the group Occupy Central with Love and Peace, angered over the China government’s decision to select electoral candidates for the region rather than allowing residents to vote directly for themselves. The news created a painful vibe and protestors took to the street, protesting on government property, while chanting, “Resign” in Chinese, to four officials, including Primer Xi Jinping.

 

Hong Kong’s student-led demonstrators are protesting that Chinese officials reengaging on their promise to allow free and democratic elections by 2017.

In 1997 Hong Kong was returned to the Chinese government’s control, after being ruled by the British Commonwealth for over 150 years. Under the Hong Kong basic law, one country, two systems, China promised complete independence to Hong Kong. One protestor, among the chaos, stated that she wants to pick her own Chief Executive, one that’s for Hong Kong, not China.

As a financial hub, Hong Kong draws companies from around the world. Being under the rule of China, a less democratic and more authoritarian rule, known for its opposition to modern views, has been a constant source of tension for many Hong Kong citizens, who pride themselves on liberty and civility.

The peaceful student protests, which began over the weekend, has drawn comparisons to the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre where police gunned down and killed thousands of peaceful protestors. An annual vigil is held to remember the event.