Pro-democracy protesters demanded that Hong Kong's top leader meet with them, threatening wider actions if he did not, after he said Tuesday that China would not budge in its decision to limit voting reforms in the Asian financial hub. Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying's refusal to listen to the demands of protesters has dashed hopes for a quick resolution of the five-day standoff. His rejection drew a defiant response from the students.
"If Leung Chun-ying doesn't come out to Civic Square before midnight [12 noon ET]... then I believe inevitably more people will come out onto the streets," said Alex Chow, secretary general of the Hong Kong Federation of Students, the organizer of the university class boycotts that led to the street protests. Chow said the students were considering various options, including widening the protests, pushing for a labor strike and possibly occupying a government building. The mood Tuesday night as the crowds of protesters swelled was festive. A rainstorm cooled the humid air, seeming to energize the protesters - with thousands using their symbolic umbrellas to stay dry.
IN-DEPTH
- Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Revolution' Protesters Refuse to Back Down
- Hong Kong Protesters Set Deadline For Government, Promise More Actions
- Hong Kong Protests Spread as 'Umbrella Revolution' Takes Hold
