Protests and Celebrations on Hong Kong Handover Anniversary

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Fourteen years ago today, the former British colony of Hong Kong was handed back to China, under the "One Country, Two Systems rule". While today was a day of celebration for some, for others it was a chance to protest against Beijing and the local authorities.

July 1st marks 14 years since Hong Kong returned to Chinese rule. While some in the city joined the anniversary celebrations, others joined the annual pro-democracy march.

Hong Kong's "One Country, Two Systems" rule guarantees civil freedoms and the right to protest not seen on mainland China.

A group of protesters exercised these rights by marching to the official ceremony ground with a letter for Hong Kong's Chief Executive Donald Tsang, which they burned. The letter called for an end to one-party rule and the release of political prisoners.

The annual pro-democracy march was held later in the day. The march is an opportunity for campaigners to show the strength of opposition to Beijing and local authorities.

[Leung Kwok-hung, Legislator]:
"It has been 14 years now, there's no clues for any real process towards the real democracy in Hong Kong. And also we feel that the situation in China, I mean the human rights situation in China, has been deteriorated for years now."

Pro-democracy campaigners say there is growing dissatisfaction with Hong Kong's city government and its handling of key issues including political reform and reining in the red-hot property market.