Calgarians hold solidarity rally for Hong Kong
Posted Oct 1, 2014 11:40 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The democracy protests in Hong Kong have captured the world’s attention and now residents here in Calgary are getting more involved.
The ‘Friends of Hong Kong Rally’ got underway Wednesday downtown at 5:30 p.m. with supporters asked to wear a black top, yellow ribbon and bring an umbrella which are symbols of the movement which has been coined the ‘Umbrella Revolution.’
Calgarian Kit Koon, who was born is Hong Kong, is organizing the rally and said the message will be heard back in Hong Kong.
She says seeing the tear gas and aggressive response to peaceful protesters in her home town, broke her heart.
Koon adds the use of umbrellas as props in these demonstrations are in solidarity with the Hong Kong students who have chosen peaceful protests and refuse to use weapons to protect themselves from the tear gas.
“We will videotape the event and send it back to Hong Kong for people there,” she said.
A statement from MP Joan Crockatt was also read at the rally, which is also meant to educate Calgarians who are curious about the situation.
The massive protests were sparked by the Chinese government’s decision to choose which candidates could run in Hong Kong elections based on a pro-Beijing committee.
