Several hundred protesters took to Hong Kong's streets on Saturday to support Edward Snowden, a week after the 29-year-old whistleblower behind the U.S. National Security Agency's mass surveillance program revealed he was hiding out in the city.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Several hundred protesters took to Hong Kong's streets on Saturday to support Edward Snowden, a week after the 29-year-old whistleblower behind the U.S. National Security Agency's mass surveillance program revealed he was hiding out in the city.
Meng Meng/CNN
The rain led protesters determined to show their support to prepare laminated placards and umbrellas painted with slogans.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
The rain led protesters determined to show their support to prepare laminated placards and umbrellas painted with slogans.
Meng Meng/CNN
Protesters and media gathered in Chater Garden in the city's business district to kick off the three-hour protest.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Protesters and media gathered in Chater Garden in the city's business district to kick off the three-hour protest.
Meng Meng/CNN
"We're rallying in order not to disappoint him and to ask Hong Kong to protect his well-being, not to extradite him, and to uphold Hong Kong law," said blogger-activist and protest co-organizer Tom Grundy (L).
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
"We're rallying in order not to disappoint him and to ask Hong Kong to protect his well-being, not to extradite him, and to uphold Hong Kong law," said blogger-activist and protest co-organizer Tom Grundy (L).
Meng Meng/CNN
"The U.S is supposed to be the champion of democracy, but it's been conducting blanket surveillance on a global scale. If the guy at the top has access to all our lines of communication, how is...anyone ever going to start a revolution?" said Claudio Mo, a member of the Hong Kong legislature.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
"The U.S is supposed to be the champion of democracy, but it's been conducting blanket surveillance on a global scale. If the guy at the top has access to all our lines of communication, how is...anyone ever going to start a revolution?" said Claudio Mo, a member of the Hong Kong legislature.
Meng Meng/CNN
Standing in Chater Garden in the city's business district, Hong Kong legislator Albert Ho said the protest was a "march for justice."
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Standing in Chater Garden in the city's business district, Hong Kong legislator Albert Ho said the protest was a "march for justice."
Meng Meng/CNN
The protest brought together representatives from 27 civil rights, labor rights, and left-wing democratic groups, as well as many ordinary members of the public and media.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
The protest brought together representatives from 27 civil rights, labor rights, and left-wing democratic groups, as well as many ordinary members of the public and media.
Meng Meng/CNN
Organizers announced an overall turnout of 900 protesters, while police cited a peak turnout of 300.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Organizers announced an overall turnout of 900 protesters, while police cited a peak turnout of 300.
Meng Meng/CNN
Ruth Jopling brought her daughters, Amber, 8, and Jade, 3, to the protest, who held cut-out masks on sticks bearing Snowden's image. "It's not just about our generation, but the next generation as well," Jopling said. Amber echoed her mother's sentiment: "When I grow up, I can tell my children about this."
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Ruth Jopling brought her daughters, Amber, 8, and Jade, 3, to the protest, who held cut-out masks on sticks bearing Snowden's image. "It's not just about our generation, but the next generation as well," Jopling said. Amber echoed her mother's sentiment: "When I grow up, I can tell my children about this."
Meng Meng/CNN
"As Americans, it's kind of disheartening to know (the surveillance program) is going on behind our backs and we don't have a say in it," said Adi Koul (R), a University of Texas student studying abroad in Hong Kong. "It's empowering to see people who aren't necessarily American fighting for something they feel is a universal human right."<br />
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
"As Americans, it's kind of disheartening to know (the surveillance program) is going on behind our backs and we don't have a say in it," said Adi Koul (R), a University of Texas student studying abroad in Hong Kong. "It's empowering to see people who aren't necessarily American fighting for something they feel is a universal human right."
Meng Meng/CNN
In a televised interview with Bloomberg on Wednesday on how Hong Kong would handle Snowden's case, Leung repeatedly responded that he "does not comment on individual cases." His stonewalling infuriated many Hong Kongers.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
In a televised interview with Bloomberg on Wednesday on how Hong Kong would handle Snowden's case, Leung repeatedly responded that he "does not comment on individual cases." His stonewalling infuriated many Hong Kongers.
Meng Meng/CNN
Protesters unfurl a banner en route to the U.S. consulate, where organizers presented an open letter addressed to ambassador Stephen Young.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Protesters unfurl a banner en route to the U.S. consulate, where organizers presented an open letter addressed to ambassador Stephen Young.
Meng Meng/CNN
George Orwell's concept of "Big Brother" dominated much of the signage and discourse.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
George Orwell's concept of "Big Brother" dominated much of the signage and discourse.
Meng Meng/CNN
Hong Kong legislator "Long Hair" spoke to the crowd at the second rallying point outside the U.S. consulate.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Hong Kong legislator "Long Hair" spoke to the crowd at the second rallying point outside the U.S. consulate.
Meng Meng/CNN
Police at the Hong Kong government headquarters in Tamar blocked off most of the square with two circles of fences, forcing protesters into a narrow outer perimeter.
Hong Kong rallies for Edward Snowden —
Police at the Hong Kong government headquarters in Tamar blocked off most of the square with two circles of fences, forcing protesters into a narrow outer perimeter.
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