It seems Occupy Central has changed its mind again! After we reported earlier how one of the organisers, Chan Kin-man, hinted that protests would come to an end after Oct 1, a new statement has called on supporters to stay steadfast in their occupation of Hong Kong’s financial district.
Despite Chan also reportedly telling TIME magazine last night that the Occupy Central focus was to shift towards ousting Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying rather than the “unrealistic” notion of genuine universal suffrage for the 2017 elections, the release insists that getting the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) to withdraw its framework for “fake democracy” is still an absolute priority. Make your minds up guys!
“We deeply believe the Chinese government, which was established through the power of the people, can accommodate the will of the people, and allow Hong Kong to enjoy universal and fair elections – thereby wholly implementing Deng Xiaoping’s vision of Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong,” the statement reads.
The group cited an incident in the early hours of this morning – whereby a man was arrested after driving a speeding car towards protestors in Mong Kok – as an example of how ill willed individuals can damage the mission. They called on all Hongkongers to join the sit-in and help guard what they termed “Democracy Squares” in Admiralty, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok.
“The courage, determination, peacefulness and orderliness shown by the spontaneous democratic occupy movement in Hong Kong in the past few days have written a glorious page in the development of Hong Kong’s democracy,” said Occupy Central.
The group also confirmed that stewards are to set up “humanitarian corridors” to allow emergency vehicles into occupied areas with immediate effect.
Looks like it’s all back on then, people. Tomorrow’s going to be a big one!
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