Mass protests on Hong Kong anniversary
July 1st, 2012 - 9:31 pm ICT by IANSBeijing, July 1 (IANS) Thousands of pro-democracy marchers took to streets in Hong Kong as the former British colony marked 15 years since returning to Chinese rule.
The rally takes place annually in support of human rights, but has been bolstered by anger towards Beijing, BBC reported.
Earlier, China’s visiting President Hu Jintao swore in businessman CY Leung as the territory’s new leader.
During the ceremony, a heckler tried to interrupt the Chinese president’s speech.
Outside, massive crowds on the streets beat drums and waved flags as they marched through the city, demanding full democracy and venting their frustration with the mainland.
One of their main complaints is that the system used to choose Hong Kong’s leader is designed to install Beijing’s choice.
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Tags: anger, bbc, beijing, businessman, chinese president, chinese rule, cy, democracy, drums, flags, frustration, heckler, hong kong, hu jintao, human rights, july 1, mass protests, massive crowds, president hu jintao, rally