Thousands of people marched through downtown Hong Kong on New Year's Day to demand full democracy in this former British colony, the biggest rally since a mass protest in July that threw the government into crisis.
Chanting "return power to the people," about 100,000 protesters marched from an urban park to the government headquarters, according to organizers. Police declined to provide their own crowd-size estimate, and there was no way to confirm the figure.
The demonstration was seen as a crucial barometer of public sentiment, exactly six months after a half-million people took to the streets denouncing an anti-subversion bill proposed by the Hong Kong government, and backed by Beijing, as a threat to freedom.
"We have made history again!" said rally spokesman Richard Tsoi.
Yesterday's turnout exceeded predictions by organizers, who said earlier that people would have less impetus to protest this time.
The government's controversial proposal was shelved in October, and Hong Kong's economy -- another source of public discontent -- appears to be on the rebound.
Marchers -- many of whom also protested on July 1 -- said that wasn't enough.
"Democracy is something we need to maintain a fair society," said 40-year-old Connie Yau, a civil servant.
Since coming under Chinese rule in 1997, Hong Kong has enjoyed Western-style freedoms unheard of on the mainland, but remains only partially democratic.
Hong Kong's top leader Tung Chee-hwa (
Protesters yesterday heaped criticism on Tung, who has faced calls for his resignation over the anti-subversion bill and alleged economic mismanagement.
"Tung hasn't listened enough," said businessman Steve Lee.
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