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Hong Kong pro-democracy protests draw lower turnout

EPA Students protesting political persecution march through the streets during the annual pro-democracy rally, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2018.EPA
Students wore facemasks with crosses to protest against China's grip on Hong Kong

An annual pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong saw sweltering heat and one of its lowest turnouts in history on Sunday.

Protesters were marking the 21st anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule.

Organisers said 50,000 protested, while police said they counted 9,800 at the peak of the march - the lowest recorded by both sides.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement has been weakened in the past year, with prominent activists jailed.

AFP People attend a protest march in Hong Kong on July 1, 2018, to coincide with the 21st anniversary of the city's handover from British to Chinese rule.AFP

Hong Kong was returned to China in 1997. Under the so-called "one country, two systems" formula, Hong Kong enjoys a high degree of autonomy and certain rights and freedoms not available in mainland China.

Massive demonstrations erupted in 2014 - with tens of thousands camping in the streets. Protesters accused the Chinese government of breaking its promise to allow full democracy in Hong Kong, and of encroaching more and more on the region.

Hundreds of police were deployed on Sunday as demonstrators marched through the streets carrying banners. Some carried yellow umbrellas, a symbol of democratic activism.

AFP Pro-democracy activist Lui Yuk-lin (C) burns a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping outside the Central Government Offices after attending a protest march in Hong Kong on July 1, 2018AFP

Pro-democracy activist Lui Yuk-lin burned a portrait of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

AFP Security guard (L) extinguishes a burning portrait of Chinese leader Xi Jinping held by pro-democracy activist Lui Yuk-lin (2nd L) in Civil Square outside the Central Government Complex after attending a protest march by thousands in Hong Kong on July 1, 2018AFP

The flames were extinguished by security guards.

EPA Hong Kong police officers clear a street near the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay before the annual pro-democracy march begins, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2018.EPA
Hong Kong police officers clear a street near the Sogo department store in Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Some protesters were pictured wearing Pinocchio masks depicting Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who is seen by activists as a representative of Beijing's interests.

EPA Protesters wearing masks of Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, complete with a long "Pinocchio" noses to suggest lying, march through the streets during the annual pro-democracy march, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2018.EPA

Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong, who became famous for his role in the "Umbrella protests" in 2014, spoke to supporters at the march.

Reuters Pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong wave to supporters during a protest march in Hong Kong, China July 1, 2018, the day marking the 21st anniversary of the city's handover to Chinese sovereignty from British rule.Reuters

In response to the protest, the government said it had "been following the mottos of 'we care', 'we listen' and 'we act' sincerely".

However, it criticised some of the protest slogans as "sensational and misleading", and said that slogans which did not respect the fact that Hong Kong was part of China were "not in line with Hong Kong's overall interests" and would "undermine" the territory.

Various other causes have become a part of the annual protests, including recycling, environmental issues, and property prices.

EPA A protester encourages plastics recycling during the annual pro-democracy march, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2018.EPA