Veteran actor Tony Leung (Leung Chiu Wai) on Thursday spoke out against the use of force on protesters in Hong Kong, reported Hong Kong media.
“I support all the people of Hong Kong who peacefully ask for what they want, and protest the government’s use of excessive force against people who have gathered peacefully, and hope the government can quickly arrange for sincere talks with the people,” Leung was quoted by Hong Kong newspaper Apple Daily as saying.
This comes a day after his fellow Hong Kong celebrities Andy Lau and Chow Yun-fat had defended Hong Kong protesters and criticised the police for using tear gas on the protestors during clashes last Sunday.
The Occupy Central protest has paralysed parts of the city for the past 5 days, with tensions remaining high between protestors and police outside government offices. But what spurred #OccupyCentral, also known as #OccupyHK?
Hong Kong belongs to China and operates under a policy of “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong, a British colony until 1997, when China resumed sovereignty, is governed by a mini-constitution, the Basic Law. The city maintains an independent judiciary, and residents enjoy greater civil liberties than residents of mainland China. Hong Kong has a robust tradition of free speech.
Democratic groups say Beijing has chipped away at those freedoms, citing an election law proposed last month that would limit voting reforms. China had promised free elections for Hong Kong’s chief executive in 2017. But the government rejected a call for open nominations, instead proposing that candidates would continue to be chosen by a committee dominated by Beijing.
The current city leader, Leung Chun-ying, has clashed with the pro-democracy opposition. After the crackdown on protesters Sunday, some called for his resignation.
Pictures from #OccupyHK here:
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