Hundreds gathered in Kwun Tong on Sunday to commemorate those who died or were injured during the ongoing protests.
The rally kicked off at around 4pm with an instrumental version of the protest song Glory to Hong Kong. The organiser read out the names of 19 people who died during the movement, and asked participants at the Kwun Tong Promenade to observe a two-minute moment of silence, according to Apple Daily.
āWe hope those righteous people in heaven can rest in peace,ā the organiser said.
Mass protests have entered their 21st week, as demonstrators continue to call for democracy and accountability over alleged police brutality. There have been several cases of protesters taking their own lives after leaving messages linked tot he protest movement.
At the rally, participants were given coloured papers to fold commemorative paper cranes. The colourful origami birds filled the grass at the promenade as participants bowed three times in tribute.
They also conducted a small march inside the park holding two cranes each. They placed one of the two at a stand as they passed, as to symbolise walking alongside those who have died.
Activist Tam Tak-chi of the People Power party said the commemoration brought together those who are alive and those who have died: āDeath did not set us apart, but make us more united. This is exactly our power,ā he said.
Ms Leung, who lives on an outlying island, went to Kwun Tong to join the rally to remember those who have passed and who were injured in the protests.
āPeople are so brave, they are not afraid and still come out to protest ā so why canāt we do something to support them?ā she said. āI sometimes feel guiltyā¦ why I was not with them? But I believe peaceful protesters have ways to help, by doing promotions, by boycotting restaurants [who oppose the protests], to strengthen our power.ā
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Posted by Sarah Wong ēåē on Sunday, 27 October 2019
Ms Tam, a participant of the rally, shed tears as she recalled scenes of young people being treated violently: āI am very heartbroken,ā she said.
The rally ended at around 6pm. The paper cranes will be moved to āLennon Wallā message boards in different districts.
If you are experiencing negative feelings, please call: The Samaritans 2896 0000 (24-hour, multilingual), Suicide Prevention Centre 2382 0000 or the Social Welfare Department 2343 2255. The Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology provides a WhatsApp hotline in English and Chinese: 6218 1084. See also: HKFPās comprehensive guide to mental health services in Hong Kong
