A decade ago, Hong Kong was filled with protesters in what became known as Occupy Central or the Umbrella protests. The movement was sparked by Chinese government plans to limit democratic voting rights, causing a generation of young people to rally for change. Leaders of the movement faced exile, jail time, or silence as a result.
Wendy, a participant in the protests, recalls the promise of universal suffrage outlined in Hong Kong’s Basic Law and the disappointment when the government reneged on that promise. The protests began peacefully but quickly escalated when police used teargas on the crowd, igniting widespread demonstrations.
The Occupy protests, led by activists known as the Occupy Trio, created a self-sufficient tent city in the financial district, with volunteer groups providing provisions and education while demanding democratic reforms. However, public support waned, divisions deepened among protesters, and the government remained unmoved.
Despite the protests not achieving their stated goals, they left a sense of hope for future change. The legacy of Occupy was evident in the 2019 pro-democracy protests, which saw millions take to the streets again. While the 2019 protests lacked the optimism of 2014, they highlighted the ongoing struggle for democracy and human rights in Hong Kong.
Today, the political landscape in Hong Kong is vastly different, with a crackdown on dissent by Beijing. The legacy of Occupy lives on in the aspirations of Hongkongers for freedom and democracy, with activists in the diaspora continuing to fight for their homeland.
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