A decade ago today, Hong Kong’s Central district was filled with protesters, angry at the Chinese government’s plans to renege on promises of fully democratic voting. The Occupy Central, or Umbrella protests, paralyzed the city’s financial center and galvanized a generation of young people. However, today Hong Kong’s streets are quiet as protest has been criminalized, and many leaders of the Umbrella movement have been exiled, jailed, or silenced.
Looking back, Wendy, a participant in the protests, recalls the feeling of that first day of Occupy. The government’s decision to only allow handpicked candidates in elections instead of universal suffrage sparked her participation. The peaceful protests escalated when police fired tear gas into the crowd, leading to a massive occupation of the city’s districts.
The Occupy protests lasted for 79 days but did not achieve their stated goals. However, they left a lasting impact on Hongkongers, strengthening their sense of self-identity and their desire for democracy, human rights, and rule of law. The protests also inspired new political parties and activist groups, leading to massive pro-democracy protests in 2019.
Despite the crackdown by Beijing and the challenges faced by protesters, many still believe in the importance of fighting for democracy in Hong Kong. The legacy of the Occupy protests lives on, reminding people in Hong Kong and around the world of the ongoing struggle for freedom and democracy in the region.
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