Revolution of Our Times

Hong Kong sees biggest protests since democrats’ election boost
Reuters

Human Rights Day march in the district of Causeway Bay in Hong Kong.

HONG KONG – Vast crowds of black-clad demonstrators thronged Hong Kong on Sunday in the largest anti-government protests since local elections last month that boosted the pro-democracy movement seeking to curb controls by China.
It was the first time since August that the Civil Human Rights Front – organizer of million-strong marches earlier in the year that paralyzed the Asian finance center – had received authorities’ permission for a rally.
It estimated turnout of 800,000.
Chants of “Fight for freedom! Stand with Hong Kong!” echoed as demonstrators, from students to professionals and the elderly, marched from Victoria Park in the bustling shopping district toward the financial area.
As dark fell, some protesters spray-painted anti-Beijing graffiti on a Bank of China building.

Riot police stood on guard as protesters yelled “dogs” and “cockroaches.”
The former British colony of 7.4 million people reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. 

It is governed under a “One Country, Two Systems” formula guaranteeing freedoms not allowed in mainland China, but Beijing is tightening the screws.
“It’s Christmas time soon but we’re not in the mood to celebrate anymore,” said Lawrence, a 23-year-old student.
He held a poster saying: “My 2020 wish is universal suffrage”, a reference to demands for an open vote on the city leader, currently the unpopular Beijing-backed Carrie Lam.
On Saturday, two leaders of the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong were denied entry to the neighboring Chinese city of Macau, without explanation.