Hong Kong protests

At press time, thousands of pro-democracy protesters remained in the streets of Hong Kong after having clashed with police on Sept. 27 and 28. City officials reported that 41 people were injured, including 12 police officers, and 148 were arrested. Police withdrew on Sept. 29 without dispersing the protests. 

Most of the protesters are students or members of the “Occupy Central” organization. They have been rallying against the decision made in August by the mainland China central government. The government had decided it would have final say over which candidates are eligible to run in elections that will start in Hong Kong in 2017. Pro-democracy supporters say the approval process is not democratic. 

The business district remained closed due to the presence of protesters. On Oct. 3, injuries resulted from clashes between protesters and opponents of the protest, including some business owners and workers.

Hong Kong has existed under the “one country, two systems” arrangement since being returned to China by England in 1997. Among other rights, this system allows Hong Kong citizens to assemble, unlike their counterparts in mainland China.