Police escort an anti-Occupy Central supporter to leave an area to prevent a confrontation with pro-democracy protesters inside a tent, which is block a main road at Hong Kong’s Mongkok shopping district, Oct. 8, 2014.
Last updated on: October 08, 2014 8:41 AM
HONG KONG—The pro-democracy demonstration in Hong Kong is set to reach the two-week mark Friday as protest leaders meet for talks with top government officials.
The protesters want authorities to change the constitution to allow direct elections, but Beijing and its Hong Kong appointed leaders are against the move.
Student protesters have low expectations and some residents are growing impatient with their occupation of city streets.
Hong Kong’s protest leaders have two demands to discuss Friday when they meet government leaders. They want the constitution changed to prevent Beijing’s interference in elections and for the Beijing-appointed Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying to step down.
On the agenda
Hong Kong authorities agreed to discuss the constitution, known as the Basic Law, but the chief executive refuses to resign or put the issue on the agenda.
Pro-democracy protesters camped out in three parts of Hong Kong the past two weeks are expressing low expectations for the talks.
In a shopping area in Mong Kok district Wednesday morning, a few dozen protesters occupied the barricaded street under tents and umbrellas while police patrolled the area on foot.
An 18-year-old student protester, who called himself Dickson, said he has little hope the Friday talks will make progress.
“I’m actually not that optimistic. But, I think we need to stand up as I can see our freedom is becoming less. And, if we don’t speak up, I really think we don’t have another chance,” he said.
A protester who called himself James has been camped at Mong Kok for the past two days. He said he was only slightly more hopeful the talks could help them reach their goals.
“Equally, equally, equally. That’s important. I mean, equally. If they don’t talk equally, that’s no use. The problem is still there,” James said.
