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In the latest act of resistance that highlighted the creativity of demonstrators in their months-long fight for democratic freedoms in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory, thousands in Hong Kong belted out a new protest song in karaoke-style across shopping malls in the city.
Late Wednesday, activists and ordinary citizens sang "Glory to Hong Kong" at several malls for a third straight night in a respite from recent violence clashes. More protests are expected this weekend, though, on Thursday police banned one planned rally, citing safety concerns.
The protesters have adopted the song, penned anonymously, as their anthem.
The law, which would have allowed criminal suspects to be sent to the mainland for trial, heightened fears about Beijing's growing influence over the former British colony. Protesters have widened their demands to include calls for direct elections for the city's leaders and police accountability.
At the New Town Plaza in Sha Tin district, some 2,000 people spread across several floors chanted slogans before breaking out into song in an emotional scene, with some crying with their hands to their hearts while others lifted their hands in the air. Many referred to lyrics on their phone as they sang a cappella.
Local media showed singing taking place in at least seven other malls, as well as in some spots including outside a subway station. The South China Morning Post said participants responded to online calls to gather and sing. Police were absent and the gatherings dispersed peacefully.
The song has been sung at almost every protest since it emerged 31 August, including during a World Cup qualifier match on Tuesday with Iran where Hong Kong soccer fans booed at the Chinese national anthem before kick-off.
Protesters over the more than three months of demonstrations have also sang the Christian hymn "Sing Hallelujah to the Lord" and the "Les Miserables" tune "Do You Hear the People Sing?"
The sing-alongs have boosted protesters' morale and highlighted their creativity in inventing new ways to get their message heard by the authorities.
On Thursday, hundreds of pro-Beijing supporters staged a counter protest during lunchtime at a swank mall downtown, singing the Chinese national anthem and waving red five-star national flags.
Police had also banned the group's August 31 march, but protesters turned up anyway. Violent clashes erupted that night, with police storming a subway car and hitting passengers with batons and pepper spray.
Front coordinator Bonnie Leung said police noted the proposed route would pass close to high-risk buildings including the police headquarters, government offices and subway stations that have been a focus of protests in recent weeks.
She said police also told the group they cannot stop protesters from breaking away and carrying out illegal violent acts. But Leung said violent clashes were unrelated to the group.
Leung accused authorities of trying to provoke protesters to carry out illegal gatherings to find an excuse to crack down. She urged activists "not to fall into the trap," saying protests can be in many forms and that they should keep safe to sustain the protest movement.
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