Thousands of Hong Kong accountants join protest march – despite pleas from employers and promise of free lunches
- Industry lawmaker Kenneth Leung estimates 5,000 accountants joined the silent noontime march, exceeding expectations.
- Leung defends protest, saying ‘This is not the Hong Kong we are familiar with and proud of’
Thousands of accountants joined a silent noontime march on Friday to protest against the now-abandoned extradition bill – despite warnings, pleas and offers of free lunch.
Industry insiders, some wearing business suits and masks, gathered in Chater Garden in Central to take part in the march to the central government complex in Admiralty.
Some participants held signs urging the government to withdraw the now-shelved extradition bill and set up an independent inquiry into police tactics.
Raymond Cheng, a 30-year-old accountant, wore a black shirt, mask, sunglasses and a helmet.
“I came here to join not just as an accountant, but also as a Hong Kong citizen,” he said. “Hong Kong communities are not very safe any more with the police (use of force). So we citizens need to take safety measures to protect ourselves.”
This is not the Hong Kong we are familiar with and proud of
Two insiders told the Post that PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) offered free lunches to various employees just before the Friday rally.