Hong Kong students begin pro-democracy protest

HONG KONG, Sept. 22 (UPI) -- Hong Kong university students began a five-day boycott of classes protest Monday against Beijing's denial of democratic elections in the city.

Students from 20 Hong Kong schools met at the University of Hong Kong for an orderly demonstration that filled University Mall, the school's main walkway. They dressed in white, wore yellow ribbons and carried banners reading, among other slogans, "The boycotts must happen. Disobey and grasp your destiny."

The protest concerns a recent decision by the Beijing government to approve all candidates in upcoming Hong Kong elections, undermining the "one country, two systems" agreement. The weeklong strike is an indication students fear candidates will be screened according to their loyally to Beijing.

Activists have threatened to shut down Hong Kong's central business district with protests, and a survey by Chinese University's Center for Communication and Public Opinion, conducted by telephone between Sept. 10 and Sept. 17, indicated a fifth of Hong Kong's population is considering leaving the city because of concerns over its future.

"I believe on August 31, when the National People's Congress (in Beijing) made their decision, it crushed the dreams of some Hong Kong people who have been fighting hard for democracy for the past 30 years," said student Hong Yuen.