Hong Kong pro-democracy activists throng streets, protest silently on China's National Day

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ANI Washington
Last Updated : Oct 01 2014 | 5:15 PM IST

Hong Kongers marked China's National Day in a unique fashion by thronging the streets of Hong Kong today. With fresh faces joining the protests, there appeared no indication that the protesters' determination was waning, a report said.

As China's flag was flown alongside Hong Kong's at various locations in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, demonstrators protested silently by turning their backs and raising their arms in crosses.

Pro-democracy leader, Joshua Wong, said that the activists crossed their arms to express their dissatisfaction towards the government and to reflect the mistrust towards Beijing, reported the CNN.

The scholarly group led by Wong had circulated messages on social media calling for restraint during protests because no country's flag ceremony should be disrespected, the group said.

Meanwhile, indicating the government's refusal to budge from its position, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying asked people to accept the 2017 election deal as is and said that it is better to accept it and have the Chief Executive elected by five million voters than 1,200 members of the Election Committee.

This is the first time ever that Hong Kong will elect its leader directly. However, the Chinese government has said that a special nominating body will elect and approve candidates for the 2017 elections.

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First Published: Oct 01 2014 | 5:00 PM IST

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