A prominent Hong Kong activist who shot to fame as a youth leader during the 2014 Umbrella Movement has announced he'll run for local office. The 22-year-old says any attempt to disqualify him will only add momentum to monthslong pro-democracy protests.
Hong Kong democratic activists, Joshua Wong, center, is accompanied with Agnes Chow, left and pro-democracy lawmaker Au Nok-hin, speaks to the media in Hong Kong, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019. Wong announced plans to contest local elections and warns that any attempt to disqualify him will only spur more support for monthslong pro-democracy protests.
Wong, 22, said he will run in district council elections in November and that the vote is crucial to send a message to Beijing that the people are more determined than ever to win the battle for more rights. He said the political censorship by Beijing showed an erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy under the “one country, two systems” framework when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1996.
Wong’s activities have made him a target of the Chinese government, which has used him to accuse foreign powers of colluding with anti-China separatists to foment unrest. Wong accused the government of trying to frame prominent activists such as himself as a warning to other protesters, but said it would fail as the current unrest has no centralized figureheads.
Police have banned the march but protesters have in the past turned up anyway. Hong Kong’s government has toned down National Day celebrations, canceling an annual firework display and moving a reception indoor.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong leader to hold first community talks to try to end crisisHong Kong leader Carrie Lam will hold her first talks with the public on Thursda...
Read more »
Hong Kong protesters trap leader for hours in stadium after 'open dialogue'Hong Kong protesters chanting anti-government slogans trapped city leader Carrie...
Read more »
Hong Kong leader holds community talks in attempt to end crisisHong Kong leader Carrie Lam will hold her first talks with the public in a bid to resolve a political crisis that has fueled nearly four months of sometimes violent protests.
Read more »
Hong Kong protesters set busy schedule ahead of China National DayHong Kong pro-democracy protesters have set themselves a busy schedule for Satur...
Read more »