September 29, 2014
Mariah Timms
News Writer
World News
Massive protests in Hong Kong strengthened last week, with thousands in the streets at nightfall Monday. The student-led protests were joined by workers and other social groups in camps along major highways and central parts of the city. Police have installed barricades and cordons around government buildings and increased patrols. Over the weekend, the clashes between protestors and the police led to the injury of nearly 30 civilians and 12 police officers from the use of tear gas and pepper spray. So many protestors used umbrellas to protect themselves that the movement is being nicknamed the “umbrella revolution.” The phrase “umbrella” is blocked on most Chinese social media amid large sudden crackdowns on internet usage and discussion of the HK protests. The unrest is in favor of more democracy in HK, including a one-person, one-vote system to elect the Chief Governor of HK and full suffrage. Beijing ruled last month that the Communist leaders can rule out any candidates for HK leaders who are not loyal to the party. China promised in 1997 to grant universal suffrage by 2017. The standoff continues.
