The ‘Occupy Central’ movement calling for full democracy in Hong Kong continues as police have begun to resort to using pepper spray and tear gas on protesters. This animation explains the timeline events that led to the launch of the movement and where the protest stands now.
Last month, Beijing rejected Hong Kong’s demand for the freedom to choose their own leader. Instead, only candidates loyal to Beijing were allowed to run in local elections. The announcement sparked pro-democracy discussions and small demonstrations, which have led to this past weekend’s early launch of the ‘Occupy Central’ movement.
Protesters had practiced non-violent sit-ins to prevent police from moving them ahead of the demonstration, however, the movement has still turned violent as police have resorted to more aggressive tactics to disperse the crowd.
Some demonstrators have called for protesters to retreat, citing fears that the police may soon resort to using rubber bullets.
The demonstration has spread through the Wan Chai and Causeway Bay areas of Hong Kong, and even across the harbor and into the Mong Kok region.
