To the sound of whirring clippers, Hong Kong democracy activists yesterday shaved their heads in a symbolic act of protest against China’s increased political control over the territory.
Dozens of pro-democracy campaigners gathered in a church hall packed with supporters and press for the ritual, declaring that the removal of their hair represented their willingness to make sacrifices for Hong Kong’s political future.
Among those who had their heads shorn were the three founders of Occupy Central — a grassroots network which has vowed to take over the streets of the territory’s financial district following China’s recent decision to restrict who can stand for chief executive.
Photo: EPA
“It is our determination to show we can give something up in order to fight for something more important,” said Benny Tai (戴耀廷), an Occupy cofounder and local academic.
“To Chinese people, our hair is a gift given to us by our parents. It is precious. One day we will also give up our freedom to fight for democracy,” he added.
Activists had their hopes for genuine democracy dashed after China announced last week that candidates for the territory’s next leader in 2017 would be vetted by a pro-Beijing committee and that only two or three people would be allowed to stand.
Photo: Reuters
A coalition of pro-democracy groups, led by Occupy Central, have labelled the restrictions a “fake democracy” and vowed to usher in a new “era of civil disobedience” against the decision.
However, the movement has recently lost some steam, with its senior leaders stepping back from their shriller rhetoric and questioning their ability to change Beijing’s mind.
Activists are trying to recapture some of the anger and enthusiasm that was apparent 10 days ago when thousands gathered in a public park vowing to fight Beijing’s increasing political control over the territory with peaceful direct action.
During yesterday’s ceremony Tai and two fellow Occupy founders shaved their heads first as a somber cello rendition of Beethoven’s Ode to Joy played in the background.
About 40 supporters from a range of pro-democracy groups followed suit to loud applause.
Tanya Chan (陳淑莊), a former lawmaker and Civic Party member, was one of those who volunteered to lose her locks.
“I don’t know what I look like now, as I have never done that before,” she joked, adding: “I believe our road to democracy is long but we have companions along the way.”
Outside the venue several anti-Occupy supporters heckled democracy activists.
A group of around five people, wearing caps, medical masks and sunglasses also charged into the hall and chanted slogans denouncing the movement. Scuffles broke out and one Occupy supporter was stretchered off to hospital. Police arrested at least one person.
Tai said it was natural for people to have different opinions but it was “important for people to express their views in a peaceful manner.”
Hong Kong’s vocal dissident community has previously used public acts of head shaving to protest against the Beijing government. The words “hair” and “law” sound similar in both Mandarin and Cantonese and dissidents have used head-shaving to mock what they regard as China’s limited rule of law.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying (梁振英) appealed to democrats to accept China’s decision and back down from the mass protests.
“I understand and respect the sincerity of most pan-democratic lawmakers in arguing strongly for their preferred reform model,” Leung wrote in the Financial Times. “But I hope that they also embrace this opportunity for 2017. Too much is at stake to walk away.”
Additional reporting by Reuters
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