In Hong Kong, hundreds of protesters at the airport to educate tourists

"Save Hong Kong from tyranny!" Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters began Friday (August 9th) a sit-in at the Hong Kong airport in an effort to educate foreign visitors about their mobilization started two months ago to the day. "No rioters, only tyranny", chanted the demonstrators, some of whom wore masks and hard hats.

Mostly dressed in black, the emblematic color of a movement born during a freak demonstration on June 9, they sat on the ground in the arrivals hall, holding placards condemning the violence in Chinese and English. police. "Save Hong Kong from tyranny and police brutality!", Could read on one of them.

"Freedom destination"

Many demonstrators had on their sleeve a flyer indicating in several languages: "Ask me questions about Hong Kong!". The protesters want more people to know what is happening in Hong Kong, said one of them calling himself "Choi", and refusing like many others to be identified for fear of prosecution.

On the social networks, the action at the airport was announced through a false boarding pass where it was written "Hong Kong for freedom".

Hong Kong protesters plan three days of rallies at the airport from tomorrow. Here's their creative announcement for action: pic.twitter.com/j2B5YJkb65

In parallel, several countries have warned their nationals leaving for Hong Kong on the situation in the former British colony, especially Washington, which urged this week its citizens to "exercise greater caution."

"An extraordinary advertising space"

"The sit-in is taking place peacefully," says the France 24 correspondent, Charles Emptaz. "This airport is an extraordinary advertising space for protesters, tourists are aware of a special moment, they take photos and relay the event on social networks," he adds.

This rally had not been authorized, but a previous demonstration, two weeks ago at the same airport, had been peaceful, without disrupting flights.

The megacity of southern China is experiencing its worst political crisis since its handover in 1997, with almost daily demonstrations and actions that have often degenerated into violence between radical activists and law enforcement.

Democratic demands

Born of the rejection of a controversial draft law of the Hong Kong executive who wanted to authorize extradition to China, the mobilization has expanded considerably since his demands, with a growing criticism of the power of Beijing. The protesters pledged to continue their movement until their demands are met.

>> Read also: Beijing warns Hong Kong protesters not to "play with fire"

They demand in particular the resignation of the disputed leader of the Hong Kong executive Carrie Lam, an independent investigation into the police action, an amnesty for those arrested, the final withdrawal of the controversial draft law, currently suspended, or the the advent of universal suffrage in the semi-autonomous territory.

With AFP