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Hong Kong Protesters Return to Airport to Drum up International Support

Erin Hale

   Updated Aug. 9, 6:09 a.m.

   HONG KONG -- Thousands of protesters returned to Hong Kong
   International Airport for the second time in as many weeks Friday to
   raise global attention to their fight against the local government and
   a controversial extradition bill.

   The airport's vast arrivals hall was filled with drumbeats and chants
   of "Free Hong Kong" and "Add Oil," a Cantonese slogan of encouragement,
   as protesters sat on the floor of the arrival hall, careful to create
   channels for passengers to exit the airport.

   Dozens handed out pamphlets, stickers, and tote bags in English and
   simplified Mandarin to inform tourists about the protest movement,
   which is entering its 10th week Sunday. Others wore photos of violent
   clashes with police and a number of people held signs condemning police
   brutality.

   Protesters say they plan to occupy the airport for three consecutive
   days this weekend in an attempt to reach tens of thousands of
   international travelers. More than 74 million people transited through
   Hong Kong International Airport in 2018, according to government
   figures, which has connections to 220 destinations.

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