Hong Kongers demand more democracy

Although mass events have been organized every year on July 1 since the handover of the former British colony to China in 1997, this year's democracy marches, in particular, are likely to be even larger.

An unofficial referendum on democratic reform in the city-state and a Chinese government "white paper" policy document on Hong Kong have contributed to this year's high participation.

Early June Beijing issued a "white paper" on its relations with the special administrative region. In the document, the Chinese government demanded "patriotism," among other things, from Hong Kong lawyers and judges who saw Beijing's action as a threat to the independence of the city-state's judiciary. To set an example, some 2000 people wearing black clothes held a silent march through the city.

An unofficial referendum was held in Hong Kong at the end of June. The city-state's citizens were able to cast their votes either online or at the polling center during a period of ten days. Nearly 800,000 people, a quarter of all eligible voters, participated in the referendum and called for more democracy in the special administrative region.

Since its return to China 17 years ago, Hong Kong has been enjoying a high degree of autonomy, although the democratic freedoms are restricted. For instance, freedom of press and of assembly is only partially allowed, and the head of government is determined by a selection committee, which is geared towards the requirements of the central government in Beijing.

The unofficial referendum's supporters demand the right to elect by themselves their future head of government in 2017. Beijing, however, immediately termed the vote "illegal" and "invalid." It unequivocally rejected the demands for a public nomination of candidates who will contest in the polls for the election of the city-state's chief executive.

The protest march is planned to move from the Victoria Park to the central business district of the metropolis. There is a heavy security presence along the route. Protesters hold banners with slogans such as "don't fear Chinese Communist Party's threat" or "Guard Hong Kong people's autonomy."

The protest marches in Hong Kong are also a subject on the social networks. For instance, a user calls on the people of Hong Kong: "Show the world that you still want democracy. It could be your last chance before the law is changed."