A decade ago, Hong Kong’s Central district was filled with protesters during the Occupy Central or Umbrella protests, as the Chinese government reneged on promises of a fully democratic vote. Despite the criminalization of protests and the exile, imprisonment, or silencing of many Umbrella movement leaders, the impact of the protests is still being felt today.
Protesters like Wendy, who was 25 at the time, were motivated by the government’s failure to fulfill promises of universal suffrage. The use of tear gas on peaceful crowds on the first day of Occupy only fueled the movement further, leading to a vibrant tent city in various districts of Hong Kong.
Although the Occupy protests did not achieve their stated aims and ended after 79 days, the movement left a sense of hope and mobilized a new generation of activists. The legacy of Occupy Central was evident in the massive pro-democracy protests in 2019, where millions took to the streets again.
The 2019 protests, however, were met with harsh crackdowns by Beijing, signaling a stark change in political reality from 2014. Despite the challenges faced by activists like Wendy and Tony, they view the Occupy protests as an important moment that strengthened Hong Kongers’ aspirations for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
As Hong Kong continues to grapple with political challenges, the spirit of the Occupy protests lives on in the hearts of those who fought for change. The legacy of Occupy Central serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for democracy and freedom in Hong Kong.
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