1 July Protests

Friday 1 July was a public holiday to commemorate the transfer of the sovereignty of Hong Kong back to China in 1997. While I was escaping the summer heat by the pool, thousands of locals took to the street to protest in the annual 1 July March.
 

©Epochtimes

Unlike residents from the Chinese Mainland, Hong Kong residents enjoy the right to protest and the 1 July March provides an opportunity for Hong Kong residents to channel their demand for democracy and a variety of other political concerns. This years protest focused mainly on high property prices, the increasing poverty gap and proposed anti-democratic legislation.

Since the handover back to China Hong Kong is governed under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Under this principle, Hong Kong has a different political system from mainland China and maintains a “high degree of autonomy” in all matters except foreign relations and military defence. Despite the fact that the handover agreement guarantees that Hong Kong will retain its capitaist economic system and civil liberties for at least 50 years, increasing criticims is being voiced against the political rule and anti-democratic legislations.

©Reuters

During the sweltering evening heat thousands of protesters marched through the streets of downtown Hong Kong, although the exact number of protesters is unclear. According protest organisers almost 220,000 people joined in the demonstration, however the police estimate  the amount at only 50,000. More than 200 protesters were arrested during the protests.
 

©AP

In response to the protest, the Hong Kong government released a statement on Friday night saying that it will better address the needs of the people but it remains to be seen if anything will happen.