‘Umbrella Revolution’ takes centre stage in Hong Kong
1 Oct 2014 4:50 AM IST
The umbrella is fast emerging as the symbol of the demonstrations that since Sunday have paralysed the Asian financial hub, a quintessential image in a city known for its downpours.
The demonstrations that have brought thousands onto the streets turned violent Sunday evening as police used tear gas and pepper spray against the swelling crowds.The protesters mostly university students and high school pupils who last week boycotted classes in an attempt to pressure Beijing were ill-equipped to deal with the sudden violent turn.They wrapped their eyes in clingfilm wore paper face masks and cowered behind umbrellas to try to protect themselves from the tear gas and pepper spray.
‘The umbrella is probably the most striking symbol of this Hong Kong protest.’
‘Our demonstrations used to be so peaceful, even pepper spray was very out of the ordinary,’ said Claudia Mo, a pro-democracy lawmaker.
The demonstrations that have brought thousands onto the streets turned violent Sunday evening as police used tear gas and pepper spray against the swelling crowds.The protesters mostly university students and high school pupils who last week boycotted classes in an attempt to pressure Beijing were ill-equipped to deal with the sudden violent turn.They wrapped their eyes in clingfilm wore paper face masks and cowered behind umbrellas to try to protect themselves from the tear gas and pepper spray.
‘The umbrella is probably the most striking symbol of this Hong Kong protest.’
‘Our demonstrations used to be so peaceful, even pepper spray was very out of the ordinary,’ said Claudia Mo, a pro-democracy lawmaker.
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