Hong Kong Protest Video: Girl Calls for 'Worldwide Help to Achieve Democracy'

A video of a girl asking for worldwide help to resolve the unrest over democracy in Hong Kong has emerged.

In the footage, the girl explains the events unfolding in Hong Kong, since thousands of students took to the streets to protest against China's ruling on the 2017 Chief Executive election in the special administrative region, and calls for help.

"Earlier this morning [28 September], protesters were peacefully sitting outside government's headquarters and tried to protest," she says. "However the government suddenly sent out police with armaments and shields towards us and tried to evacuate us; but everybody sat still and did nothing. Suddenly, the government started spraying pepper spray at every protester".

Why are people protesting?

Beijing ruled that in the 2017 election, Hong Kong's potential candidates could be chosen by locals but also have to be vetted by a Chinese nominating committee. Contenders need to secure support from at least 50% of the members of the committee and those rejected will not be able to run in the election on the grounds of national security.

The decision enraged thousands of democracy supporters who fear China will use the committee to screen out the candidates it disapproves of.

Dozens of students took to the streets to stage pro-democracy protests demanding full independence from China during the 2017 election.

Following days of manifestations, police used teargas to disperse the protesters. At least 30 people were injured in the disorder.

"We are asking for popvote only, nothing more," the girl continues. "As a Hongkonger, I ask all of you from all over the world: please help us. Maybe all of you were born in democracy states, you were born with democracy choices, you have free elections rights, but we don't. Please help us, please spread the news. We really need democracy."

One country, two systems

Hong Kong was a British colony until it was given back to China in 1997, with the promise the country would be given wide-range autonomy and full freedom in choosing its leaders, under the principle known as "One Country, Two Systems".

According to this principle, stipulated during negotiations between China and the British government about the future of the colony, Hong Kong could retain its established system for at least 50 years after reunification.