Hong Kong New Year protests start

Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters began staging New Year’s Eve rallies around the city on Tuesday (December 31), urging people not to give up the fight for democracy in 2020, as police prepared to deploy more than 6,000 officers according to local media.

“Liberate HK, Revolution of our time is my New Year wish,” said 30-year-old Calvin, who attended a lunchtime rally in the central business district.

Protesters were urged to wear masks at the “Don’t forget 2019 - Persist in 2020” rally, according to social media posts.

“As we have been protesting for such a long time, but the government still refuses to listen to us. If we don’t join the protest, we are in debt to our comrades who have already been jailed,” said Calvin.

In a New Year’s Eve video message, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said more than six months of unrest in the Asian financial hub had caused sadness, anxiety, disappointment and rage.

“Let’s start 2020 with a new resolution, to restore order and harmony in society. So we can begin again, together,” said Lam in the 3-minute long message.

Other protest events dubbed “Suck the Eve” and “Shop With You” are planned for the bar and entertainment district of Lan Kwai Fong in the central business district, as well as promenades near Victoria Harbour, and in major shopping malls.

Police will deploy more than 6,000 officers to deal with potential unrest over the New Year’s period, according to the South China Morning Post newspaper, citing unnamed sources.

Protesters and human rights groups have criticized police for using excessive force in handling street protests.

Based on Reuters