Thousands march for democracy in Hong Kong
Thousands of Hong Kong people marched today in an impassioned plea for full democracy mixed with anger at the territory’s unpopular leader.
Tempers have flared since Beijing ruled in April that ordinary citizens cannot elect the successor to Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa in 2007 or all lawmakers in 2008.
A massive crowd took to the streets to show their unhappiness today – the seventh anniversary of the handover from British to Chinese sovereignty.
More than 60,000 demonstrators marched peacefully in the blazing heat on Hong Kong’s government headquarters, chanting democracy slogans and waving signs.
Many accuse Tung of being a puppet to Beijing and ignoring the democratic aspirations of ordinary Hong Kongers.
“The Hong Kong government is just foolish,” said clerk Maggie Yung. “It’s completely turned a blind eye to the people.”
Tung and other dignitaries stood at attention in the morning as the Chinese and Hong Kong flags were solemnly raised to the sounds of the national anthem under hazy skies. Outside, a dozen activists tried to carry a mock black coffin toward the ceremony but were held back by a larger group of police.
The march comes one year after 500,000 people turned out for an anti-government protest, launching a “people power” movement that stunned Hong Kong and prompted the central government to clamp down on local hopes for full democracy.
