September 8, 2014 12:08 PM
Group Last Week Indicated Loss of Momentum After Announcement of Chinese Decision Aug. 31
Pro-democracy protesters held up their mobile phones to kick off the Occupy Central civil disobedience movement on Aug. 31. Photo: ReutersBy JENNY W. HSU And CHESTER YUNG
HONG KONG—The Hong Kong protest movement Occupy Central plans to launch a civil-disobedience campaign in early October to protest Beijing's decision to effectively control who can run for the city's top post, said a person close to the group.
The group last week had indicated a loss of momentum following the announcement of the Chinese decision on Aug. 31.
The person close to Occupy Central said holding the protest a full month after Beijing's decision was aimed at giving supporters ample time to "decide for themselves" whether to join the cause in a "coolheaded" fashion. The person said detailed protest plans were still being made.
The person denied that the timing was chosen to coincide with the weeklong holiday around China's National Day on Oct. 1. That is traditionally one of the biggest shopping weeks of the year in Hong Kong, when a lot of mainlanders visit the city.
The person said the group has purchased 40 mobile toilets and some tents in preparation for the protests.
Student activists said they would also begin boycotting classes starting Sept. 22.
The group said over the weekend that some pro-democracy activists, including Occupy Central organizers, would shave their heads on Tuesday, a move billed as a pledge to nonviolent resistance.
China said in its decision that candidates vying for Hong Kong's top leadership post in the 2017 elections must be vetted by a nominating committee, whose members have been loyal to Beijing.
Last week, Chan Kin-man, a co-founder of Occupy Central, said some of the group'ssupport was waning and that its goal of securing a representative voting system in the city was "close to failure."
The comments signaled Beijing's decision had been a reality check for a movement that has tried to rally a city focused on stability and the bottom line for its businesses.
They followed a heady few months, withmarches that on two occasions drew crowds in the hundreds of thousands. But in mid-August, a pro-Beijing countermovement filled the streets with its own march to denounce Occupy Central's campaign.
However, Mr. Chan said on Monday that support for Occupy Central has grown among some groups, such as those who used to favor a more moderate approach.
"Many people, including professors who were previously against Occupy Central, are now in support of the movement, whether through direct participation or donations," said Mr. Chan.
Write to Jenny W. Hsu atjenny.hsu@wsj.com and Chester Yung atchester.yung@wsj.com
http://m.us.wsj.com/articles/hong-kongs-occupy-central-plans-protest-in-october-1410183427?mobile=y
