HONG KONG — Hand-in-hand, protesters formed a 28-mile human chain across 39 train stations in Hong Kong on Friday.
The demonstrators sang songs as they held small signs that said, “Thank you for supporting freedom and democracy.”
The latest demonstration in the 11-week movement that stemmed from outrage over a proposed extradition bill was inspired by 1989 protests across Baltic states.
On Aug. 23, 1989, the so-called Baltic Way involved 2 million Latvians, Lithuanians and Estonians protesting against Soviet domination of the region.
The Hong Kong protesters’ demands have expanded from the original request in June to scrap the extradition bill, which many feared would give Beijing greater control over the territory by allowing suspects to handed over to mainland China.
With mounting fears that their rights are being eroded, protesters are now demanding greater democratic freedoms, the resignation of the territory’s chief executive Carrie Lam, and an investigation into claims of excessive use force use by police as demonstrations have turned violent.
The human chain — intended to “be a show of solidarity … and a plea for international support,” according to organizers — was the second show of force by protesters on Friday. Earlier, hundreds marched in a demonstration led by accountants. Lawyers, teachers and medical workers have previously rallied in support of the protests.
The former British colony became a special administrative region of China in 1997. Unlike those living on the mainland, the territory’s 7 million residents can freely surf the internet and participate in public protests.
Paul Goldman reported from Hong Kong, and Linda Givetash from London.
Associated Press contributed.
