Hong Kong Students Hold Hands to Peacefully Protest for Greater Democratic Rights

Jeremy Sandberg
By Jeremy Sandberg
September 11, 2019Hong Kong
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HONG KONG—Students in Hong Kong held hands in peaceful protest on September 11, hoping to have their concerns realized by the government.

Forming a human chain outside Heung To Middle School in the Kowloon Tong district, students sang in unity to appeal for Hong Kongers five demands.

“We don’t want the majority of Hong Kong people to think we are the violent people that express their way violently and use something violent,” student Krystal Heung told NTD.

Most protesters wear masks fearing retaliation from the Hong Kong government and the Chinese communist regime.

“It’s not violent but people may recognize us and catch us to the police and we may… we are afraid to go back to China,” said Heung.

“Don’t be afraid to stand up and express what you think on this issue,” she said.

Tracy Cheung, also a student at Heung To said she loves Hong Kong and the differences it has established from mainland China.

“We have freedom, and we have democracy, we have freedom of speech,” said Cheung.

Five Demands

Student Dennis Chan, said it’s not about Hong Kong gaining independence. “We want to save Hong Kong,” said Chan. “We want the five demands.”

Hong Kong’s protests initially started over a controversial bill that would allow extraditions to mainland China, raising widespread concern the law would be abused, given the mainland’s record of rights violations.

Using a peaceful method to protest and express themselves, students aim to let the government and police know how they feel.

“It’s peaceful and this is the best way to protest to the Hong Kong Government,” said Charles Ip, a student at Heung To.

Student Ken Tse said that although some people may use aggressive means, he prefers a peaceful approach.

“We are all thinking the same way, that is [to] fight for freedom,” said Tse.

Student Timothy Lam said he thinks the human chain is a good way to show the government the student’s determination.

The movement has spread to include demands for police accountability, protesters to stop being called rioters, amnesty for those arrested during the protests, and greater democratic freedom.

“I hope the government will listen to our voice,” said Lam. “So we will stand here no matter what.”

After three months of demonstrations, Hong Kong citizens press on to secure their freedom and their futures.

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