Wide Protests in Hong Kong as Chinese National Day Arrives

Some may recall the 1989 revolution that occurred in China. For most of them, the picture of a young man facing a tank is the only thing they might remember.  For other they have memorized the request of democracy in the society by the protesters. At that moment the movement was mostly held by students.

On this last week of September 2014 peaceful protests are befalling in the streets of Hong Kong. Demonstrators are asking Beijing to change its mind about a new law established for the 2017 elections in Hong Kong. This decree would give Beijing to right to choose the potential politicians of Hong Kong. After that, there would be real elections but are these elections if an institution decides first what is “good” for the citizens?

Unhappily for these demonstrators, the chief executive Mr. Leung does not want to meet leaders of these protests. He claims in a blog post that “The impact on the value of Hong Kong’s international image is becoming greater and greater”. On Sunday pepper spray and tear gas were spread on protesters.

This wave of protests is a gathering of students and older people. Among them, some are law students, flight attendant, bankers, architects, housewives and children with their parents according to The Globe and Mail. Demonstrators are sleeping in the streets at night to continue to monopolize the attention on their movement.  

Also, a large volunteer action is in place. It goes from first aid help and water, food and umbrella distribution. The “Umbrella Revolution” is getting organized for October 1^st Chinese National Day.

 

This wide group demands Beijing to respond. For the moment, the movement is expanding. On September 30, 3,5 kilometers of streets were completely full by those peaceful protesters.

By: Audrey Rivard, October 1^st 2014