Seven Year Itch
Seven years of Chinese rule have left the people of Hong Kong eager for real democracy. But reformers claim they are being targeted by Beijing.
The streets of Hong Kong throng with hundreds of thousands of protestors. They're campaigning against China's recent decision to delay full democracy indefinitely. "We have less freedom than before. Everything you say is restricted," complains taxi driver Wong Shi-Kwai. Hong Kong may enjoy freedoms envied by the mainland but its citizens want to run their own affairs. They're frustrated that they can't choose their own leader or government. "We have to fight for democracy," states pro-democracy campaigner Emily Lau. In recent months, she's received numerous death threats and her office has been attacked. And she's not the only one to be targeted. Veteran broadcaster Albert Cheng was forced from his job for criticising the government and promoting democratic reforms. Many are convinced that China is trying to influence media coverage ahead of next week's elections. "They are afraid of losing control in Hong Kong because it will effect the provinces in China," explains politician Allen Lee. And faced with the risk of other provinces calling for self rule, Beijing seems determined to crush Hong Kong's dreams of independence.
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