whatever_happens,_happens.txt: 2014 Hong Kong Protests

The 2014 Hong Kong protests, also known as the Umbrella Movement or Umbrella Revolution, began in September 2014 when protesters in Hong Kong protested outside the government headquarters and occupied several major city intersections after the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) announced its decision on proposed electoral reform.

The protests are being held in order to achieve universal suffrage in Hong Kong. Although democracy had been promised for 2017 in 2008, China announced this August that Hong Kong citizens would only be able to vote from a pool of 2-3 specially selected candidates, all of whom would definitely have pro-China sentiments.

The protesters are largely made up of university students participating in a peaceful boycott of classes. Although the protests remain peaceful, police now are using use tear gas and have brought out long guns loaded with rubber bullets. There have been reports of cell phone receptions being cut in the protest area so that information cannot be shared.

At first, the protest began with only citizens sitting quietly in a silent protest. However, at 7:00 in the morning the next day, policemen stormed into the public square and began clearing out the area by force, dragging youngsters out violently, injuring many of them. Policemen have also been witnessed to beating youngsters without reason, and using high-concentration, anti-riot pepper spray on civilians who are merely attempting to protect themselves.

Protesting civilians who remained on the streets overnight are wearing plastic wraps and raincoats under 30 degree weather in an attempt to protect themselves should the police utilize pepper sprays again.

Most recently though, on October 17, 2014 in Hong Kong, police

have been tearing down the barricades and tents set up by activists in Mong Kok.