Hong Kong protesters form city-wide human chain in bid for freedom
The Hong Kong WayAugust 23, 2019 - Hong Kong protesters escalated their peaceful, non-violent tactics and gathered to create “The Hong Kong Way” - a human chain formed by more than 135,000 Hongkongers joining hands across districts of Hong Kong.
Thirty years ago, two million people created The Baltic Way by joining hands to link up the Baltic countries. In an unprecedented show of solidarity, people in the three countries demonstrated peacefully against the Soviet State and inspired generations to come.
With the same determination and an equally united voice, people of all ages and backgrounds held hands across Hong Kong today demanding that the government listen to them.
“We are no longer divided into ‘peaceful’ or ‘frontline’ protesters- we are joined as one in our resolve to fight for freedom. We demand that the protesters’ five demands are met, and that Hong Kong’s human rights, justice, and rule of law are upheld.”
The “Hong Kong Way” connects three of Hong Kong’s main MTR railways, including the Island Line, which is linked by the Star Ferry line to the Tsuen Wan Line and the Kwun Tong Line, reaching a total distance of 60 kilometres.
Turnout exceeded expectations, with protesters extending the planned routes, from Shau Kei Wan towards Chai Wan; from Hong Hum towards To Kwa Wan; from Prince Edward towards Kowloon Tong; and even on the peak of Lion Rock. The estimated number of 135,000 people did not include multiple locations where the number was so high that people were overlapping with each other.
“To the freedom-loving people of the world, we thank you for standing with us in solidarity. We are exhausted from weeks of protest. We have shed blood, sweat and tears for justice. Many of us were arrested. Your support gave us courage to carry on. We are not alone because your attention has brought us into the international spotlight.”
“The Hong Kong Way” action follows months of protests, including a peaceful march last weekend where 1.7 million people braved the storm and defied a police order.
“Today we have once again demonstrated to the world that despite police violence and threats from Mainland Chinese authorities, we continue to peacefully call for our five demands. We plead that you will not look away at this crucial time. Demand that your government speak up on behalf of the people of Hong Kong.”
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