Hundreds of protesters were arrested in Hong Kong today following a mass rally demanding greater democracy from Communist rulers in China.
Demonstrators were forcibly removed from the business district during a peaceful sit-in that followed yesterday’s rally, which organisers said attracted more than 510,000 people.
The protests are being viewed as one of the biggest challenges yet to China, which resumed control over the former British colony in 1997.
Protesters linked arms in a bid to resist efforts to remove them but they were taken away one at a time as activists kicked, screamed and punched before being bundled on to buses.
“I have the right to protest. We don’t need police permission,” the crowd chanted. To Chun Ho, who was released without charge, said: “Civil disobedience is not a one-time matter. I will come out to protest again, because it is the only way Hong Kong can change.” Activists who refused to leave were taken in buses to the police training school in Hong Kong.
More than 500 were arrested, with some charged with participating in an unauthorised assembly and obstructing police. About 50 were released without charge.
The protesters are demanding greater democracy in elections for Hong Kong’s leader in 2017. They want nominations to be open to all but China’s leaders want to ensure only pro-Beijing candidates are on the ballot. Police said the arrests were to prevent disruption as people returned to work following a public holiday to mark the 17th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to China.
