Hong Kong’s pro-democracy protesters take to the streets, with firm grips on their rights and their umbrellas.

By Lisa Larson-Walker

Tens of thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators have gathered in Hong Kong’s Central financial district to protest Beijing’s broken promise. When Britain returned control of the city to the People’s Republic on July 1, 1997, the mainland government had pledged to abide by a system of “one country, two systems” that would guarantee many of the special rights that Hong Kong had enjoyed under British rule. Part of that pledge included the right to choose its own democratically elected leadership by 2017.

Yet Beijing’s Chinese Communist Party appears to be reneging on that deal. In August, the CCP issued a white paper announcing that candidates for Hong Kong’s 2017 chief executive election would have to be approved by Beijing, giving mainland authorities the ability to weed out the candidates it doesn’t like. As peaceful protesters took to the streets over the weekend, the Beijing-backed Hong Kong government has responded with pepper spray and tear gas. The demonstrators raised umbrellas—to shield themselves from the chemicals. If Beijing doesn’t tread carefully, the “umbrella revolution” may only grow stronger.


Pro-democracy demonstrators hold up their mobile phones during a protest near the Hong Kong government headquarters on Sept. 29, 2014.


Secondary school students take part in the protests outside of the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014.


Students take notes during a lesson conducted by their teacher during a rally outside government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 26, 2014.


Students attend a rally at Chinese University on Sept. 22, 2014, in Hong Kong.


Students hold cards that read “Open the gate” outside the Hong Kong government complex on Sept. 26, 2014.


A protester raises his arms as police officers try to disperse the crowd near the government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 29, 2014.


Policemen rest following pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong on Sept. 29, 2014.


A protester lies on the asphalt blocking the main street to the financial Central district on Sept. 29, 2014.


A couple sits down on a barricade during a demonstration outside the government headquarters in Hong Kong on Sept. 28, 2014.


Riot police use pepper spray during clash with protesters on Sept. 28, 2014.


Unfurled umbrellas have become a symbol of the protest. Demonstrators have used them to shield against pepper spray and tear gas. Local media has dubbed the movement the “Umbrella Revolution.”


Police fire tear gas at pro-democracy demonstrators near the Hong Kong government headquarters on Sept. 28, 2014.


An injured protester is tended to after clashing with riot police on Sept. 27, 2014.


A man takes a picture with his mobile phone of a protest on Nathan Road, a major route through the heart of the Kowloon district of Hong Kong.


A businessman stands in front of a barricade set up by protesters at the main street of the financial Central district on Sept. 29, 2014.
Photo by Tyrone Siu/Reuters