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Phila Siu

Jeffie Lam

Thousands of black-clad Occupy Central supporters took to the streets yesterday in a silent "black cloth" protest accusing Beijing of breaking its promise to give Hong Kong democracy.
Defying the scorching heat, Occupy organisers said about 4,000 protesters marched from Causeway Bay to Central. Police estimated 1,860 people took part at its peak.
"Beijing has failed to fulfil its promise that Hong Kong can have democracy," said Occupy co-founder Benny Tai Yiu-ting.
"What can Hong Kong people do? We need to press ahead with a civil disobedience campaign."
Watch: Thousands of Occupy Central supporters march against Beijing’s universal suffrage stance

Unlike previous pro-democracy marches, the protesters did not chant slogans when the rally started. They remained silent throughout the march to show it was a "solemn" protest against Beijing.
Protesters carried nine pieces of black cloth, about two metres wide and 50 metres long, as they marched through the city. The cloths formed a continuous banner of protest carrying slogans such as "civil disobedience" and "government broke promise".
Among the protesters was a 66-year-old retiree who is ready to take part in Occupy Central.
"I am coming out today for democracy and for myself," said Chung Kam-shing. "I want the right to nominate who can run for the chief executive election.
"I will definitely take part in Occupy Central. We need to tell the Chinese government what we want. If the police eventually need to arrest me, I will tell them not to use violence. I will go with them."
Kenneth Lau, 23, one of the younger protesters, said he was angry because a chief executive election with a screening mechanism was not a genuine democratic poll.
The protest was largely peaceful, but some pro-Beijing supporters gathered and shouted criticism at the protesters near the Canal Road flyover in Causeway Bay. "Occupy Central participants will die soon," they chanted.
Martin Lee Chu-ming, founder of the Democratic Party who was at the march yesterday, accused the Hong Kong government of being "the central government's running dog".
He said: "I am already 76. I don't know when I will die. But even if I die today, I am not worried at all. Just look at the young people around me."
He said the younger generation would continue the fight for democracy.
Tai said at the end of the march that the turnout had been unexpected because he had not done much to help promote the event.
"However, it is hard to say if all the people who took part today will be there when Occupy Central really takes place," he said. "Still, I believe that there will definitely be 10,000 when it starts. The only concern is how long they will stay."



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Occupy Central

Black-clad Occupy Central supporters march against Beijing’s universal suffrage plan

Pan-democratic lawmakers join an Occupy Central march from Causeway Bay to Chater Garden yesterday. Photo: Felix Wong

Protesters gather in Causeway Bay. Photo: David Wong

Occupy Central supporters in Causeway Bay. Photo: David Wong

Protesters rally at Chater Road in Central. Photo: Felix Wong

An aerial view of protesters gathering in Causeway Bay. Photo: David Wong

Anti-Occupy Central protesters carry posters with images of Occupy Central co-founder Benny Tai (left) and Apple Daily founder Jimmy Lai (second-left), a pro-democracy supporter whose home was raided by anti-corruption officers, as Occupy Central demonstrators march. Photo: Reuters

News

Hong Kong

Thousands of black-clad Occupy Central supporters took to the streets yesterday in a silent 'black cloth' protest, accusing Beijing of breaking its promise to give Hong Kong democracy.


Update | Black-clad Occupy Central supporters march against Beijing’s universal suffrage plan

Thousands of black-clad Occupy Central supporters took to the streets yesterday in a silent 'black cloth' protest, accusing Beijing of breaking its promise to give Hong Kong democracy.