Protests held in Vancouver in support of ‘Umbrella Revolution’ in Hong Kong

VANCOUVER – Students upset the Chinese government has failed to maintain its promise of open and fair elections have taken to the streets.

In these mass demonstrations the protesters have been shielding themselves from police and tear gas with umbrellas, which has coined the term “Umbrella Revolution” because the students have been using umbrellas to shield themselves.

The mostly student crowd is demanding democracy and calling for the city’s top leaders to resign.

A protest was held in solidarity in Vancouver on Monday night to protest what is going on in Hong Kong.

A crowd of about 300 showed up at the Chinese consulate to sing and chant, with signs protesting what is happening.

Many told Global News they are hoping they can exert some kind of influence over the Chinese government by taking part in the protest.

“It’s really important that we speak in solidarity with our people in Hong Kong,” said one student. “I grew up in Hong Kong and it’s disheartening to see what is happening right now over there. The government is not willing to give the people a choice and universal suffrage and instead use tear gas over the peaceful protesters.”

“So it’s not right.”

A protest was also held outside the British consulate in Vancouver.

View image in full screen

– With files from Catherine Urquhart