Hong Kong protests: third day of demonstrations in Melbourne

Activists have turned out at Federation Square to rally in support of Hong Kong, as the pro-democracy demonstrations stretched into a third straight day. The rally prompted a response from a Chinese ambassador, who claimed the action was ‘doomed to fail’.

Pro-democracy protesters have rallied at Federation Square in support of Hong Kong in the third straight day of demonstrations in Melbourne.

About 40 activists gathered at the main stage area on Sunday afternoon.

The group recorded themselves chanting “free Hong Kong” and held up signs that said: “in solidarity with the Hong Kong revolt” and “we shall never surrender”.

Protesters at Federation Square held sign, one which read “Hong Kong today, Australia tomorrow: defend against the silent invasion”. Picture: Wayne Taylor.

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One poster read: “Hong Kong today, Australia tomorrow: defend against the silent invasion”.

A small group of police officers were monitoring the event after Friday night’s rally outside the State Library descended into violence.

About 1000 people attended Friday’s event where multiple scuffles broke out and police had to separate the two feuding sides.

Activists from both groups returned to the State Library on Saturday, however the chanting was more subdued and police were quick to quell any flare-ups.

Sunday’s event did not attract any rival pro-China advocates.

A pro-democracy protester supporting Hong Kong at Federation Square. Picture: Wayne Taylor.

The weekend’s events were part of a co-ordinated national campaign organised by a group called ‘Hongkongers in Australia and friends to protest for HK democracy today’.

The movement has drawn criticism from China’s ambassador to Australia, Cheng Jingye, who issued a statement on Saturday that said: “We sincerely hope that people from all walks of life in Australia will see the real picture of situation in Hong Kong, act in the interests of Hong Kong’s prosperity, stability and rule of law.”

His statement added: “Any attempt to mess up Hong Kong is doomed to fail.”

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