2014-10-04
HKT 22:05
Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters have gathered in Admiralty, for a mass rally against the attacks on demonstrators in Mong Kok and Causeway Bay on Friday.
Occupy Central, and two student groups leading the civil disobedience campaign also repeated their call for demonstrators in the two areas to leave, and consolidate forces at the main Occupy site in Admiralty.
Addressing the crowds, Civic Party lawmaker Dennis Kwok said they were now part of a history-changing movement.
"What you are seeing in Hong Kong tonight is the purest form of courage that you will ever see on this planet," he said to rapturous applause.
"It is the kind of courage that will change the politics of this country... for ever.
"It is the kind of courage... it is the kind of courage that will bend the arc of history for ever."
Earlier the Chief Executive, CY Leung, hinted that action may be looming to clear protesters on Hong Kong island.
In a video message, Mr Leung said the blockades of government headquarters and major streets must be cleared by Monday.
An associate social work professor, Law Chi-Kwong, said the Chief Executive's remarks are extremely close to an ultimatum for protesters to leave.
He said he believes if the government intends to clear protesters from occupied areas, it will not wait until Monday to move in.
The Hong Kong University academic also said the proposed talks between students and government officials had been the primary barrier against a possible clearance operation; and now that the Federation of Students has said it'll hold off any such talks, danger is now approaching.
But Executive Councillor and New People's Party chairwoman Regina Ip said she would not consider Mr Leung's remarks as an ultimatum to the protesters.
She said the Chief Executive had the responsibility to restore social order, adding that the Occupy campaign has already stated its demands clearly, and Hong Kong could slide into anarchy if the protests continue.
http://m.rthk.hk/news/20141004/1042942.htm
