Tens of thousands Friday took to Hong Kong's streets in a carnival-like atmosphere to mark an annual pro-democracy rally on the 14th anniversary of the former British colony's return to China. The noisy procession saw marchers clog the city's downtown area, chanting and banging on drums, holding up placards and many donning costumes.
Dressed as a police officer, 22-year-old Kitty Hung said she and a group of similarly attired friends came out to highlight the differences between the southern Chinese territory and mainland China. Hong Kong has a semi-autonomous status within China, which also held celebrations Friday to mark the 90th birthday of the ruling Communist Party.
"Freedom is a core value of Hong Kong and we want to bring attention to Hong Kong's political phenomenon," Hung told AFP, explaining that the police costumes were meant to criticise authoritarian-style rule on the mainland. Hong Kong, which returned to Chinese rule in 1997, guarantees civil freedoms not seen on the mainland, and many residents join the July 1 march to voice their opposition to Beijing and local authorities. The protesters numbered at least 100,000, according to rally organisers, radio RTHK reported, although official attendance figures were not immediately available.
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