Hong Kong's Fight for Democracy

       The streets of Hong Kong are used to being crowded with people. But it has never been this type of crowded before. Thousands of protesters have crowded the streets of Hong Kong's business district, calling for democracy from China.
       This past weekend, Hong Kong citizens lined the streets, with police forces closely guarded with truncheons and shields, protesting for a fair and open election, and continuing to pressure Chief Executive Leung Chun-Ying to resign.

       This should be no surprise for many who have followed the news about the Chinese government, with many citizens protesting against it for quiet a while.      
       An estimate of 40 or more people have been injured, citizens and police alike, as they initiated the protest. Photos captured shows many of the police force pepper spraying and forcefully fighting against the protesters. Tear gas was soon released on mass, forcing protesters to take cover and normal citizens to stay in their homes.
       As shown in the image, many citizens were unarmed, some with merely masks and umbrellas to defend themselves.
       Many other citizens, not participating in the riot are also being effected. Many banks have been closed off, chaotic streets have made it hard for seniors and children to leave their homes. "Everything is fine so far, but citizens have been holding it in for long enough," a pro-democratic citizen stated, though not participating in the protest.
       As of right now, the crowds and police force have dispersed, allowing for the injured to rest up. Many are watching this closely, as many citizens here in Canada have family over in Hong Kong, China. "I hope my parents are okay, they're on a trip in Hong Kong now," a OCAD University student shared, "I'm glad I immigrated to Canada a few years ago, I wouldn't want to be in that situation right now."
       With social media sites such as Instagram blocked by the Chinese government, many rely on Facebook and Twitter to receive news an photos for updates. "Stay strong and safe" is a common phrase from those watching oversees.
       Democracy should not be something people should risk their lives for. People deserve the right to vote fairly, to have a government that supports its citizens They should not need so much violence to obtain what should already be theirs.

October 1, 2014 UPDATE
       The streets are in a peaceful state Tuesday morning, but transportation around is still a problem for many citizens. My correspondent in Hong Kong reports "It's peaceful here. Transportation through the roads are blocked, but MTR(Hong Kong subway) is okay."

       The police have also been working hard during these few days. Shown as the 'bad guys' in many articles, the police have been working hard to keep everyone in the city safe, "some working for 30 straight hours," reported my correspondent.
       Citizens are camping out on the streets during the day, lighting up the city with their cellphones while singing during the night. All is peaceful at this time.
       During this peaceful period in the streets of Hong Kong, citizens are still waiting peacefully for the resignation of Leung Ching-Ying soon. October 1 is the National Day in Hong Kong and many are hoping that it ends on a positive note.

 

OCTOBER 4, 2014 UPDATE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AcuyN_z44Sc&feature=youtu.be