Tens of thousands of protesters are still protesting against the government. They desire an election system that is uninfluenced by the Chinese government.
Protesters in Hong Kong remain in the streets. Since the start of the rally on Friday, thousands of students and other citizens held their ground in their desire for democracy.
Today, police blocked off roads and access to the government headquarters where protesters are still sitting in defiance. According to Vice News, many stores are hanging signs reading, “We are very sorry for the inconvenience but we need democracy.”
Police have taken further action against the protesters. Along with arrests and use of pepper spray, police have used tear gas against the Hong Kong protesters.
The protest, popularly labeled as the “umbrella revolution”, has drawn tens of thousands of citizens into the streets. The solidarity can be heard through chants and speeches pervading the city.
University students have been at the core of the protest and their actions have encouraged the Occupy Central movement to join. Occupy Central is considered one of the largest campaigns for democracy in Hong Kong.
Recently, a young female student posted a video encouraging global awareness of the situation in Hong Kong. The video is taken on the streets and protesters can be seen in the background. Her identity is not revealed.
“Earlier today, several thousands of young Hongkongers like me were sitting very peacefully at the government house, asking the government for a real democracy and genuine election. However, with no genuine reply from the government, it sent out police with guns, armors and shields to evacuate our peaceful demonstration,” she starts.
“Tears and screaming was everywhere,” she says, “Maybe all of you are born in democracy states, you are born with democratic election, you have free election right, but we don't. We need genuine democracy. We need a popvote on the constitution reform only, nothing more.”
The protester ends the video with a plea to share the video and “to let the world know what is happening in Hong Kong.”
Many of the Hong Kong citizens want only the freedom to choose their leaders without influence from the Chinese government in Beijing. Currently, a government committee nominates the candidates, rather than allowing citizens that freedom.
The protesters plan to continue the rally until a national holiday on October 1, after which they plan to reveal the next step of their protest.
