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Published 18:02 IST, September 15th 2019

Hong Kong protesters: 'We will not surrender', rally for UK support

Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters have gathered in Hong Kong on Saturday to call on the United Kingdom to come to the aid of the former British colony.

Reported by: Manjiri Chitre
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Hundreds of pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong have called on the United Kingdom to come to the aid of the former British colony on Saturday. Hongkongers on Saturday gathered outside the British consulate in Hong Kong and are chanting 'We will not surrender.' According to reports, this is marked as the 15th consecutive weekend of mass protests in Hong Kong. According to reports, the protestors have been chanting 'Stand for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong' to call for attention to hear their demands for democracy. Hong Kong is currently a semi-autonomous territory which was handed over to the Chinese in 1997. The movement is the biggest challenge to China's rule.

Protestors' demands

According to reports, the protesters are asking the UK to apply pressure on Beijing to uphold the 'one country, two systems' ideology. The critics of Hong Kong believe that they are deprived of their own freedom. Some demonstrators are also looking for a way to leave the country and work in the UK for which they are calling on the British colony to extend the rights of British National Overseas (BNO). According to the rules currently, Hongkongers have the right to visit the UK for only six months. Last week, thousands of protestors had marched to the US consulate to call on the US lawmakers to sanction the Hong Kong officials. Democracy activist Joshua Wong urged on September 15 that Hongkongers should not give up asking for their rights. 

Read: Hong Kong protests: Anthem penned by anonymous composer goes viral

Also read: Hong Kong protestors light up hills, continue protests during festival

China lashes out at the UK 

The Chinese authorities lashed out at the British colony for signalling their support to Hong Kong. In June this year, China had stated that the relationship with the UK has been damaged because of Britain's attempt in interfering in the protests. Earlier, Beijing and pro-Beijing figures in Hong Kong have previously accused foreign powers like the US and the UK for secretly funding and organising the Hong Kong rallies.

Read: Ex-British PM David Cameron post 2016 Brexit results feels 'depressed'

Read: Hong Kong protesters ask U.S. President Trump to 'liberate' their city

15:03 IST, September 15th 2019