Hong Kong protests: Hundreds gather for unity rally as lull in violence continues

Protesters raise their hand to symbolize the five demands of the pro-democracy movement
AP
Katy Clifton30 November 2019

Hundreds of activists - young and old - have come together for a unity rally in Hong Kong, vowing that their months-long movement will not falter until there is greater democracy in the Chinese territory.

The rally on Saturday is among several peaceful gatherings by activists this week to keep up pressure on the government, amid a lull in violence following a local election victory by the pro-democracy bloc and US support for their cause.

Speakers reminded the crowd it was not time to celebrate and that the fight for real autonomy must persist, while a local boys’ band played songs to tell protesters that the “whole of Hong Kong is supporting you”.

Many are angry over a perceived erosion of their rights promised when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.

A protester waves a flag reading "Liberate Hong Kong, the Revolution of Our Times"
AP

“The government wants us to desert the front-liners and young protesters, but we will stick with them,” said rally organiser Tam Kwok-sun, 64, to loud cheers from the crowd.

“Sometimes their actions are violent and aggressive, but we are more unhappy with the government’s behaviour.”

Since the unrest broke out in June, protesters have disrupted traffic, smashed public facilities and pro-China shops, and hurled petrol bombs in battles with riot police who have responded with volleys of tear gas and water cannon.

The occupation of several universities by protesters earlier this month after fiery clashes with police capped one of the most violent chapters in the turmoil, which has contributed to the city’s first recession in a decade.

Protesters gesture to black-clad young protesters
AP

Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, has appealed for the current calm to continue but has refused to bow to protesters’ demands, which include free elections for her post and the legislature as well as an independent probe into alleged police brutality.

“It’s still a very early stage of the revolution,” said a masked activist, who gave her name as Mai, 26. “People are tired physically and mentally, so we are waiting for the right moment for a fightback.”

Hong Kong police have arrested 5,890 people as a result of the protests.

“The government is still stubborn. Every one of us, young and old, must contribute in our own way. The movement will not stop,” said 63-year-old woman who identified herself as Mrs Tam.

Hong Kong Protests: Siege at University - In pictures

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Protesters this week have urged Britain and other countries to follow US footsteps in legislating laws to support its cause.

One of the new US laws prescribes sanctions on officials found guilty of human rights abuses and requires an annual review of a special trade status for Hong Kong. The other bans the export of certain non-lethal munitions to Hong Kong police.

China has warned of strong countermeasures and Hong Kong’s government has slammed the US move as unwarranted meddling in its affairs.

More rallies are being planned for Sunday, including an anti-tear gas protest and a gratitude march to the US Consulate.

Additional reporting by Press Association.

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