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Asia

Hong Kong in a state of emergency

Thousands of people have demonstrated in Hong Kong, bringing parts of the Asian financial hub to a standstill. The protesters are calling for democratic elections and the resignation of the Leung Chun-ying's government.

Use of violence

On Sunday, September 28, the Hong Kong police used tear gas, batons and pepper spray against thousands of pro-democracy campaigners gathered on the city's streets. The overnight clashes continued until Monday, September 29, bringing parts of Hong Kong to a standstill. According to the authorities, 38 people were injured during the unrest.
Chaos on streets

The demonstrators blocked intersections and main roads in various parts of the city, including Hong Kong's central financial district, causing traffic chaos in China's special administrative region. According to the city's Department of Transportation, some 200 bus lines and large parts of the tram network were affected by the protests.
Public life paralyzed

The escalation follows the August 31 announcement by the Chinese authorities that they will tightly control the nomination of candidates for the election of the city's Chief Executive in 2017. Schools and businesses in the areas affected by the protests remained partially closed on Monday. Major banks and investment firms, however, had planned ahead to keep functioning.
Led by students

The protests kicked off last Monday with a students' strike. Over the weekend, the pro-democracy Occupy Central movement joined the protests.
Selective democracy

Beijing wants to allow only pre-selected candidates to run for the election of the metropolis' Chief Executive. This means that the nomination of candidates who are critical of the central government is effectively excluded.
'One country, two systems'

The former British colony has enjoyed a special status since its return to China in 1997. The city enjoys a relatively freer press and its denizens can engage in political activities. Politically, however, Beijing wants to keep the city's reins in its control. The Chinese authorities are critical of the ongoing protests, calling them "illegal" and a "threat to social peace."
Beijing is 'confident'

Beijing is "confident" that Hong Kong authorities will bring the situation under control, the Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted a spokesman of the country's State Council as saying. But experts say that the use of force against protesters may lead to further confrontation.

Use of violence

On Sunday, September 28, the Hong Kong police used tear gas, batons and pepper spray against thousands of pro-democracy campaigners gathered on the city's streets. The overnight clashes continued until Monday, September 29, bringing parts of Hong Kong to a standstill. According to the authorities, 38 people were injured during the unrest.
Chaos on streets

The demonstrators blocked intersections and main roads in various parts of the city, including Hong Kong's central financial district, causing traffic chaos in China's special administrative region. According to the city's Department of Transportation, some 200 bus lines and large parts of the tram network were affected by the protests.
Public life paralyzed

The escalation follows the August 31 announcement by the Chinese authorities that they will tightly control the nomination of candidates for the election of the city's Chief Executive in 2017. Schools and businesses in the areas affected by the protests remained partially closed on Monday. Major banks and investment firms, however, had planned ahead to keep functioning.
Led by students

The protests kicked off last Monday with a students' strike. Over the weekend, the pro-democracy Occupy Central movement joined the protests.
Selective democracy

Beijing wants to allow only pre-selected candidates to run for the election of the metropolis' Chief Executive. This means that the nomination of candidates who are critical of the central government is effectively excluded.
'One country, two systems'

The former British colony has enjoyed a special status since its return to China in 1997. The city enjoys a relatively freer press and its denizens can engage in political activities. Politically, however, Beijing wants to keep the city's reins in its control. The Chinese authorities are critical of the ongoing protests, calling them "illegal" and a "threat to social peace."
Beijing is 'confident'

Beijing is "confident" that Hong Kong authorities will bring the situation under control, the Chinese state-run news agency Xinhua quoted a spokesman of the country's State Council as saying. But experts say that the use of force against protesters may lead to further confrontation.

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Date 29.09.2014
Number of pictures 7
Author Esther Felden/shs
Related Subjects Asia, Hong Kong
Keywords Asia, Hong Kong, Beijing, protests, democracy
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