Widespread protests in Hong Kong have reached a fever pitch, as thousands continue to occupy the city's central business district in defiance of the Chinese authorities. A string of routine protests have quickly morphed into a serious political stand-off after local authorities attempted to crackdown on the overwhelmingly peaceful protesters. Armed with nothing but parasols to shield themselves from policemen's pepper spray and tear gas, the demonstrators show no signs of backing down and have now taken to calling their movement the "Umbrella Revolution".
The protests began last Wednesday, as student groups aimed to voice their discontent over China's plan to vet candidates for chief executive in Hong Kong's 2017 election. In 1997, when the United Kingdom relinquished it's dominion over Hong Kong, China promised that in addition to granting it certain freedoms not allowed in the mainland, Hong Kong citizens would be allowed to elect their own top leader for the first in 2017. But now that China seems intent on altering the terms of its agreement, many of Hong Kong's citizens have decided to voice their dissent in spite of the obvious risks. Some protesters and onlookers have posted images on Instagram to document the protests, while reports indicate that the online photo-sharing network is being blocked in mainland China.
"First day looked like this. Fumes heavy in the air, so many injured, crying for help. Police hit hard on unsuspecting students and supporters, who were prepared only for a peaceful sit-in."
"Protesters light their phones in a display of solidarity during the protests in Hong Kong. #umbrellarevolution #hkclassboycott #oclphk #occupycentral #occupyadmiralty #hongkongprotest"
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The protests began last Wednesday, as student groups aimed to voice their discontent over China's plan to vet candidates for chief executive in Hong Kong's 2017 election. In 1997, when the United Kingdom relinquished it's dominion over Hong Kong, China promised that in addition to granting it certain freedoms not allowed in the mainland, Hong Kong citizens would be allowed to elect their own top leader for the first in 2017. But now that China seems intent on altering the terms of its agreement, many of Hong Kong's citizens have decided to voice their dissent in spite of the obvious risks. Some protesters and onlookers have posted images on Instagram to document the protests, while reports indicate that the online photo-sharing network is being blocked in mainland China.
"First day looked like this. Fumes heavy in the air, so many injured, crying for help. Police hit hard on unsuspecting students and supporters, who were prepared only for a peaceful sit-in."
"Protesters light their phones in a display of solidarity during the protests in Hong Kong. #umbrellarevolution #hkclassboycott #oclphk #occupycentral #occupyadmiralty #hongkongprotest"