HONG KONG (Reuters) - Hong Kong's anti-government protesters rallied again for a few hours on Saturday before dispersing in the evening to prepare for Sunday's rally, which they hope will be a peaceful and rally.
Ten weeks of protests triggered a crisis that plunged the city, an international trade hub, and China has taken tough positions, calling them "semi-terrorist" acts.
Activists plan to hold another rally on Tuesday, described as a "prudent, non-violent" demonstration aimed at sending a message to Beijing and unelected city officials that the protest movement still enjoys wide popular support despite violent behavior.
Chinese state media also published pictures of soldiers and armored personnel carriers in Shenzhen, near the city's borders, for its part.
| Ten weeks of protests triggered a crisis that plunged the city, an international trade center (Anatolia) |
Competition demonstrations
Today's rallies began with thousands of teachers marching in heavy rain in support of largely youth-led protests.
In the afternoon, activists began gathering in Hong Hom and Tu Kua Wan, two neighborhoods for tourists from China. The police banned the gatherings.
One protester, who gave his first name as "March", said the government had not yet responded to a single request "and stepped up the use of force by police to suppress people's voices."
On the other hand, pro-government demonstrators gathered today in a park, where many preachers condemned the violence of anti-government demonstrators, while giant screens broadcast recordings of recent clashes with police.
| Chinese propaganda machine overflowed with articles, photos and videos condemning the protests (Getty Images) |
Meanwhile, the Civil Front for Human Rights is organizing a rally tomorrow - a nonviolent protest group that was once the driving force of mass protests that recorded a record turnout in June and July when hundreds of thousands took to the streets.
Demonstrations began with protests over a bill allowing extradition to Beijing, but expanded to demand democratic rights in the semi-autonomous city.
Millions took to the streets and clashes erupted between police and small groups of demonstrators.