Pro Hong Kong Democracy Protests outside Chinese Embassy

Pro Hong Kong Democracy protesters gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in Toorak today, chanting against what they see as Beijing’s threat to Hong Kong’s democracy.
The Melbourne protesters represent the Occupy Central movement that has brought Hong Kong to a standstill.
The movement was created following the Chinese Communist party’s decision last month to limit the number of candidates in Hong Kong’s 2017 election and ensure a pro-Beijing committee approved all contenders.
Officially, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is part of China. However, more than 100 years of British rule in Hong Kong brought greater freedom and economic prosperity to the city.
This British history also means Hong Kong’s election procedures differ greatly to China’s.
While only two police officers were present at the Toorak protests, hundreds of Hong Kong riot police have used tear gas, pepper spray and other means of force due to masses of democracy-minded citizens blocking key parts of the city.
“Since the students all went on to the street (in Hong Kong), the police have imposed heavy force, with tear gas and pepper spray … which I think is intolerant and that is why I am here today,” said one protester, who did not want to be named.
“We are trying to show our discontent to the Chinese Embassy.”
The Toorak protest was organised on Facebook and many of the campaigners were seen wearing a yellow ribbon, a symbol of the Hong Kong pro-democracy groups’ wish for universal suffrage.