Hong Kong is witnessing its largest protest movement since the former British colony was handed over to China in 1997. The financial hub was brought to a standstill as thousands of pro-democracy protestors took to the streets and remained there despite repeated police orders to disperse.
Dubbed the Umbrella Revolution because the protestors have used parasols to protect themselves from pepper spray and tear gas deployed by the police, the movement began last week as part of the Occupy Central campaign calling for greater democracy in Hong Kong. The demonstrations are in response to a Chinese government ruling last month that restricted open nomination of candidates for Hong Kong’s first-ever leadership elections in 2017. Instead, candidates are to be approved by the Communist party’s committee, assuring that only Beijing loyalists contest in the poll.
This drone video captures the scenes in Hong Kong.
Dubbed the Umbrella Revolution because the protestors have used parasols to protect themselves from pepper spray and tear gas deployed by the police, the movement began last week as part of the Occupy Central campaign calling for greater democracy in Hong Kong. The demonstrations are in response to a Chinese government ruling last month that restricted open nomination of candidates for Hong Kong’s first-ever leadership elections in 2017. Instead, candidates are to be approved by the Communist party’s committee, assuring that only Beijing loyalists contest in the poll.
This drone video captures the scenes in Hong Kong.
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