Mass protest draws tens of thousands to streets of Kowloon in march against Hong Kong extradition bill
- Protesters march through shopping district of Tsim Sha Tsui to cross-border high-speed rail terminus in hope of explaining cause to mainland Chinese visitors
- Organisers say 230,000 took part – far more than expected – while police put figure at 56,000
The first mass rally on the streets of Kowloon against the government’s extradition bill ended on Sunday after an estimated 230,000 protesters marched peacefully through the bustling tourist hub of Tsim Sha Tsui to the cross-border, high-speed railway station.
Organisers said the turnout was far bigger than they had expected and they had kept their promise that it would be a “peaceful, rational and graceful” affair, giving a boost to a pro-democracy movement that has been marred by recent bouts of violence and clashes with police.
The procession from Salisbury Garden to the West Kowloon station was expected to be a few thousand strong on its designated route along Canton and Austin roads, but the larger turnout, which police estimated at 56,000, saw protesters swarming over Nathan Road.
It was also the first major rally demanding the full withdrawal of the now-suspended extradition bill after hundreds of mostly young protesters stormed and vandalised the city’s legislature last Monday.
“There are no rioters but only tyranny!” the crowds chanted, as they marched past luxury shops and retail stores patronised by mainland Chinese tourists.
While the rally was peaceful all the way, some high-end retail stores were taking no chances and had their shutters down for the day.
Police maintained a heavy but mostly hands-off presence, while the protesters said their aim was to “explain” their cause to visitors from across the border and win their support and understanding.