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Occupy Central
Hong Kong

Life during the Occupy movement: Profiles of Hongkongers

There can be few in the city who have not been touched in some way by the Occupy protests. The Post talked to people around the city to find out what life has been like in occupied Hong Kong.

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Life during the Occupy movement: Profiles of Hongkongers
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There can be few in Hong Kong who have not been touched in some way by the pro-democracy Occupy protests. The Post talked to people around the city to find out what life has been like in occupied Hong Kong.

"I'm weak in body but strong in spirit"

Benny Mok Siu-man, 51, knelt down in front of police officers firing tear gas at Occupy protesters on September 28. On Tuesday, the former government surveyor was on the sixth day of a hunger strike outside government headquarters in Admiralty. “I'm weak in body but strong in spirit," Mok said.

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Greeted by passers-by from time to time, Mok said he wanted to “occupy people's hearts" and awaken Hongkongers to the need for democracy. He sees major problems with the government's campaign to "pocket" a reform package for the next chief executive election that would fulfil Beijing's demands, with the chance that further democratisation could be possible for future elections. He wants officials to answer his questions about that strategy.

Watch: Occupy Central hunger striker 'weak in body but strong in spirit'

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Of the Occupy movement, Mok said: “It's a very good campaign. Hongkongers are highly disciplined." But he urged organisers to form a committee to prioritise future action. “[The organisers] are afraid of being criticised for dominating the campaign. But I think they have overreacted."

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