A decade ago, Hong Kong’s Central district was filled with protesters participating in what became known as Occupy Central or the Umbrella protests. The protests were a response to the Chinese government’s plans to renege on a promise of a fully democratic vote in the territory. The movement galvanized a generation of young people in Hong Kong.
Today, Hong Kong’s streets are quiet as protest has been largely criminalized, and many leaders of the Umbrella movement have been exiled, jailed, or silenced. Participants, like Wendy, remember the feeling of that first day of Occupy and the disappointment of the government breaking its promise of universal suffrage.
The protests were led by activists known as the Occupy Trio and drew thousands of people to occupy Hong Kong’s financial district. What started as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when police fired tear gas into the crowd, sparking more protesters to join in. The movement lasted for 79 days, with a sense of hope despite not achieving its stated aims.
Although the protests did not lead to immediate change, they left a lasting legacy in Hong Kong. They inspired new political parties and activist groups, leading to even larger pro-democracy protests in 2019. However, the crackdown from Beijing during the 2019 protests was much harsher.
Looking back at the events of 2014, participants like Wendy and Tony see the Occupy protests as a crucial moment in Hong Kong’s fight for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. The legacy of the movement continues to inspire Hongkongers, even as the political reality in the region has shifted.
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