A call for democracy in Hong Kong
- 10 years ago
Thousands fill the streets of Hong Kong Wednesday demanding democracy.
The battle is intensifying over potentially watershed reforms that could see Hong Kong become the first city on Chinese soil to directly elect its leader.
Many want a voice in their own future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) PETER TSUI, 65-YEAR-OLD PROTESTER, SAYING:
"I'm protesting because every chief executive we've had has not been good, because they were appointed by Beijing. If we get to choose our own chief executive, it'll be better."
Beijing had promised direct elections in the former British colony as the goal for 2017, but the devil is in the details of the rules governing who can run.
The protesters want open nominations of candidates so that anyone, including China critics, can run for office.
Anson Chan, former chief secretary of Hong Kong, says it is all about choice.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ANSON CHAN, FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY, SAYING:
"What we want is the ri
The battle is intensifying over potentially watershed reforms that could see Hong Kong become the first city on Chinese soil to directly elect its leader.
Many want a voice in their own future.
(SOUNDBITE) (Cantonese) PETER TSUI, 65-YEAR-OLD PROTESTER, SAYING:
"I'm protesting because every chief executive we've had has not been good, because they were appointed by Beijing. If we get to choose our own chief executive, it'll be better."
Beijing had promised direct elections in the former British colony as the goal for 2017, but the devil is in the details of the rules governing who can run.
The protesters want open nominations of candidates so that anyone, including China critics, can run for office.
Anson Chan, former chief secretary of Hong Kong, says it is all about choice.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) ANSON CHAN, FORMER CHIEF SECRETARY, SAYING:
"What we want is the ri