WEB DESK
Anti-government protesters in Hong Kong, thronged city streets on Sunday in a forceful display of support for the movement on its six-month anniversary. Tens of thousands snaked their way through the financial hub’s main island after the police for the first time allowed a rally by the Civil Human Rights Front, one of the largest pro-democracy groups.
Police said 11 people were arrested in raids ahead of the rally and that a handgun was seized. The protests started in June over a controversial extradition bill, and have now evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. The rally comes two weeks after pro-establishment parties got a drubbing in local elections, shattering government claims that a silent majority opposed the protests.
The movement’s demands include an independent inquiry into the police’s handling of the protests, an amnesty for those arrested, and free elections.
Organisers said an estimated 800,000 took part while police put the number at 183,000.
Police said 11 people were arrested in raids ahead of the rally and that a handgun was seized.
The protests started in June over a controversial extradition bill, and have now evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.
“I will fight for freedom until I die,” said June, a 40-year-old mother in Victoria Park, where protesters gathered.
In a statement on Saturday, the government called for calm and said it had “learned its lesson and will humbly listen to and accept criticism”.
At the end of the march, the government said it was looking forward to finding “a way out for Hong Kong’s deep problems through dialogue”.
Monday will mark six months since a mass rally on 9 June that triggered the political crisis that has gripped the semi-autonomous Chinese territory.
Why people are protesting?
Hong Kong’s protests started in June against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.
Critics feared this could undermine judicial independence and endanger dissidents.
The bill was withdrawn in September but protests continued.
Until 1997, Hong Kong was ruled by Britain as a colony but then returned to China. Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, it has some autonomy, and its people have more rights.