9 September 2014 Last updated at 08:16 ET
Founders of the Occupy Central movement (from L to R), academic Chan Kin-man, academic Benny Tai and Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, shave their heads during a protest to call for people to join them for an upcoming rally in Hong Kong (9 September 2014)
The three founders of Occupy Central – Chan Kin-man, Benny Tai and Chu Yiu-ming – had their heads shaved
Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have shaved their heads in a protest over what they see as China’s growing political control over the city.
Forty people, including the founders of the Occupy Central movement, had their hair cut off in a church hall.
A minor scuffle reportedly broke out when China supporters showed up.
The activists were protesting against Beijing’s recent announcement that open nomination will be ruled out for Hong Kong’s next leadership election.
On Tuesday, dozens of campaigners packed the church hall to witness the head-shaving.
Among them were the three founders of civil disobedience movement Occupy Central – Benny Tai, Chu Yiu-ming and Chan Kin-man.
Mr Tai told reporters the act was meant to symbolise that the movement would make no concessions to Beijing’s ruling.
“It is our determination to show we can give something up in order to fight for something more important,” he said.
‘Radical elements’
News agencies reported that a small scuffle broke out when several pro-Beijing supporters arrived and heckled the activists.
Reuters said about five people wearing caps, medical masks and sunglasses charged into the hall, chanting slogans denouncing Occupy Central.
One person was sent to the hospital following the scuffle. The police arrested at least one person.
