Tibet independence call made at annual Jan 1 Hong Kong demonstration

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Activists calling for Tibet’s independence joined a traditional annual Jan 1 demonstration in Hong Kong protesting against the policies of the regional administration. (Photo courtesy: RFA)

(TibetanReview.net, Jan03’19) – Activists calling for Tibet’s independence joined a traditional annual Jan 1 demonstration in Hong Kong protesting against the policies of the regional administration, reported sputniknews.com Jan 1. Up to 5,000 people took part in the demonstration, according to rfa.org Jan 1.

Both pro-independence activists and supporters of the “one country, two systems” principle took part in the demonstration. Some participants of the march also used the event to support the independence of Tibet, the report said, citing the South China Morning Post. Other reports said they carried Tibetan national flags in the demonstration.

The main body of marchers targeted their protest at growing political suppression in the city and the decision not to pursue corruption cases against a former leader, said the rfa.org report. It said some carried banners calling for democratic reform while others protested against a string of high-profile corruption allegations involving senior government figures and major companies. The report cited the case of former Hong Kong chief executive Leung Chun-ying over alleged financial conflicts of interest during his time in office and over shoddy construction at Hung Hom railway station.

Marching from Causeway bay to government headquarters in Admiralty, the protesters were reported to have shouted slogans that included calls to prosecute Leung and for incumbent chief executive Carrie Lam to resign.

Others were stated to have chanted: “Stop suppressing our citizens!” as police shouted warnings to the crowd not to gather outside government offices.

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