In Hong Kong, a monster New Year's event

Mark the transition to the new year and breathe new life into the pro-democracy movement. This is the purpose of the rally convened in Hong Kong on January 1 to which tens of thousands of demonstrators responded.

The former British colony is experiencing its most serious crisis since its handover to Beijing in 1997. The challenge to obtain democratic reforms has resulted in peaceful marches bringing together millions of people, but also violent clashes between police and demonstrators.

"It is sad that our demands for 2019 must be postponed until 2020," regretted Jimmi Sham of the Civil Front for Human Rights (FCDH), the organization behind this demonstration intended to put pressure on the local executive to accede to the demands of the protesters.

Sectors such as accountancy, education, retail, and even Disney cast members are rallying for people to join newly formed pro-democracy unions near Chater Garden. #hongkong #hongkongprotests #antiELAB pic.twitter.com/tE8l7XLoZy

"We expect more repression in the future. We must prepare actively for the fight," he said to the crowd who gathered before the demonstration began in the afternoon.

Many participants displayed banners recalling the main demands of the pro-democracy movement, including an independent investigation into the behavior of the police, amnesty for all those arrested and true universal suffrage.

Since the movement began in June, around 6,500 people have been arrested, almost a third of them under the age of 20.

"The rule of law, human rights and freedom of Hong Kong have been progressively eroded," said one protester, his face hidden under a mask, in a speech during the rally. "The people of Hong Kong have been pushed into a desperate situation. That is why today we have to get out."

The New Year's event was authorized, but riot police in uniform were standing near parts of the route. An AFP journalist saw them searching a dozen people.

The front of the march has reached the Chater Road endpoint as of 4pm, but hundreds of thousands still wait to begin in Causeway Bay and Victoria Park.

Photo: May James / HKFP. #hongkong #hongkongprotests #antiELAB #china pic.twitter.com/P9a1RhJ0WB

"Ten! Nine! Free Hong Kong, the revolution now!"

Tuesday evening, thousands of people had gathered across the megalopolis to wait for the passage to 2020, especially along the waterfront at Victoria Harbor and in the district of Lan Kwai renowned for its nightlife.

They counted the passage to 2020: "Ten! Nine! Free Hong Kong, the revolution now!". Small groups also gathered in the district of Mong Kok, setting fire to barricades. The police then used tear gas for the first time in 2020.

Demonstrators holding a candlelight vigil were also arrested in the Prince Edward neighborhood. Earlier on Tuesday, thousands of protesters had formed miles of human chains through the city streets. They sang "Glory in Hong Kong", the anthem of protest and held up posters calling for the 2020 battle for democracy to continue.

The protest movement had a lull after the overwhelming victory in late November of the pro-democracy camp in local elections perceived as a referendum on the management of the crisis by the local government supported by Beijing.

But protesters have vowed to continue their fight for more freedoms. Until now, the demands of the pro-democracy movement have been rejected by the Hong Kong executive, aligned with Beijing and led by Carrie Lam.

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