We’ve all seen the pepper spray photos and the tear gas videos, heard the chants and read the demands, but do you really know why tens of thousands of Hongkongers are willing to risk their lives in the name of democracy? Coconuts Hong Kong hit the Occupy Central protests to find out exactly why universal suffrage matters so much to so many.
Bryan Lam, 21: “Freedom is my right, and I want to fight for it.”
Milly Ko, 20: “Students stand out, because we are the future.”
Chin Kiu Au Yeung, 23: “They’re going to attack us, and that’ why we’re here. I want to change the situation we’re in right now for the better.”
Winnie Wong, 55, and Victor Ma, 59, : “We love Hong Kong and freedom. We need it to progress. Students are our future and we’re touched by their efforts.”
Andrew Choi, 44: “It was promised to us. Only with some degree of democracy will the government benefit, and that’s exactly what people are looking for and expecting.”
Emily Matchar, 32: “It’s been proven by far to be the best system. This is democracy in action – people are fighting for what has been promised to them and this is what will be best for the city.”
Julia and Gavin Greenwood, both in their 50s: “Any society that attacks its young has a problem. We think it’s very brave, organised and peaceful, and it’s amazing to be here to see it in action.”
Eddy Lau, 18, David Tsang, 19 ,and Hilary Wong, 19: “The government has done something wrong, and we’re fighting to correct that wrong. We’re in a fight for our freedom, our future and the next generation.”
Natasha Ngan, 20, Vanessa Lo, 19, Staphanie Li, 20, and Emily Chan, 20: “We deserve it. We’re here to learn more and to be involved, so that we too know how to progress towards what we were promised.”
Sooni Shroff-Ganda, 48: “I grew up in Hong Kong, and democracy has been reneged. People have the right to voice what they really believe, and the government should really have the chance to hear that voice. That’s why I’m here, to be a part of that voice and to support the people.”
Photos: Coconuts Hong Kong
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