Hong Kong Democracy Rally Draws Thousands

Tens of thousands of people rallied peacefully, voicing demands for democracy and criticism of Hong Kong’s unpopular leader and an anti-subversion bill opponents call a threat to civil liberties.

Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa met briefly with reporters before Wednesday night’s demonstration and acknowledged that his administration faces “huge challenges,” but he vowed to weather the political storm. Many in Hong Kong, including some pro-Beijing figures, have called for his resignation.

The crowd that gathered late Wednesday outside the legislative chambers was in a celebratory mood, following an angrier protest by 500,000 people July 1 that was aimed at stopping the national security law Tung had hoped to pass Wednesday.

The massive outpouring of discontent prompted one key legislative ally to back away from the timetable, and Tung had to postpone the bill. It would outlaw subversion, sedition, treason and other crimes against the state, with life prison sentences for some offenses.

Despite the jubilation, people were still hurling barbs at Tung. Many shouted, “Down with Tung!” and some made the point by waving signs that had the Chinese character for his name placed upside down.

Tung took no questions when he met with journalists but said: “Our goal is clear. It is to win back the support and trust of the people.”

Organizers said that 50,000 people turned out Wednesday night. Police said there were 30,000 at the height of the demonstration, but the total number probably was higher.

Many in Hong Kong feel emboldened after the protest July 1 -- the sixth anniversary of the territory’s return from Britain to China -- forced Tung to back down on the anti-subversion bill. A security bill is required by Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, and Tung says it still must be passed, although he has not given a new timetable.

Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, also sets out democracy as an eventual goal for Hong Kong, and the demonstrators shifted their focus Wednesday to speeding it up.

Ordinary Hong Kong people now have no say in who leads them and are only able to cast votes for some legislative seats.

“Return rule to the people!” the demonstrators chanted.

Critics say the crisis -- easily the worst since Tung took office in 1997 -- has seriously undermined his authority to rule. But Beijing has reiterated its confidence in Tung and said the anti-subversion bill will go forward.