Hong Kong protests: Plan to form pro-democracy ‘human chains’ along MTR rail lines proposed on LIHKG
Hong Kong protesters are calling for a peaceful show of solidarity inspired by the Baltic Way political demonstration which happened on August 23, 1989
The map shows the route for the human chain for the Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line and Kwun Tong Line. Protesters have added another chain, which will follow the Ma On Shan Line route. Hong Kong protesters are calling for the formation of 'human chains' across the city on Friday night, in a bid to show their support for democracy, demonstrate the need for unity during the anti-ELAB movement, and appeal for international support.
The demonstration falls on the 30th anniversary of the Baltic Way, which was a peaceful political demonstration that occurred across three Baltic States: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The protest was designed to draw global attention to the Balkans’ desire for independence from the Soviet Union. A human chain of more than 650 kilometres was formed as around two million people joined hands on August 23, 1989.
The plan for the ‘Hong Kong Way’, per the popular forum LIHKG, calls upon people to gather outside the MTR exits of four MTR lines – Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line and Ma On Shan Line – and hold hands, thereby creating a human chain. It is due to commence at 7pm.
Hong Kong protests: What are the 'five demands'? What do protesters want?
In addition to demonstrating solidarity, the protesters also want to show support for the five demands: a complete withdrawal of the bill, the retraction of a characterisation of recent protests as “riots”, the release of all arrested protesters, the formation of an independent commission of inquiry into the alleged police brutality, and dual universal suffrage.
Protesters have not applied for a letter of no objection.
On the same evening, there will be a ‘Rally of the Christians’ in Chater Garden in Central at 7pm, where demonstrators will gather to sing hymns and pray. They have already obtained a letter of no objection for the event.
On Sunday, August 25, relatives of Hong Kong’s police force will hold a ‘Police Relatives Connection Rally’ 2pm at Edinburgh Place in Central. The rally is an appeal to the public to “let the police serve with pride and care”.
Later that day, a demonstration will be held in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing by anti-ELAB protesters, to “reaffirm the five demands, condemn the police-triad coalition and oppose the police’s excessive use of power”.