A pro-democracy march in Hong Kong on Tuesday saw at least 300,000 protesters pour into the streets of the former British colony despite the wet weather.
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Organisers say this could be the largest demonstration since the city was handed back to China in 1997. Philippe Lopez/AP Photo -
The scale of the turnout reflects surging discontent over Beijing’s insistence that it vet candidates before a vote in 2017 for the semi-autonomous city’s next leader. Philippe Lopez/AP Photo -
It comes after nearly 800,000 people voted in an informal referendum to demand a free electoral mechanism that allows voters to nominate candidates. Kin Cheung/AP Photo -
The route from the city’s Victoria Park to the Central business district was a sea of umbrellas and banners such as “We want real democracy” and “We stand united against China”. Bobby Yip/Reuters -
Organisers expected a final attendance of over half a million, which would be a record for July 1 protests. Philippe Lopez/ AFP Photo -
A handful of marchers pushed against police barricades but the rally was largely peaceful and a carnival atmosphere prevailed in several sections. Dale De La Rey/AFP Photo -
July 1 is a traditional day of protest in Hong Kong. Philippe Lopez/AFP Photo -
It marks the handover of the British colony to China in 1997 under a “One country, two systems” agreement which allows residents liberties not seen on the mainland. Bobby Yip/Reuters -
These liberties inlcude free speech and the right to protest. Dale De La Rey/AFP Photo -
But there are heightened fears that those freedoms are being eroded. Kin Cheung/AP Photo -
Concerns increased in June when Beijing published a controversial ‘white paper’ on Hong Kong’s future that was widely seen as a warning to the city not to overstep the bounds. Kin Cheung/AP Photo
In pictures: 300,000 protesters take to the streets of Hong Kong
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