HONG KONG: Candidates banned from standing for election in Hong Kong because they are advocating a split from mainland China led the city’s first pro-independence rally on Friday as tension over the upcoming vote escalates.

Five pro-independence candidates who tried to register were rejected by election officials who said their stance went against Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

Critics have slammed the move as censorship as fears grow over Beijing interference in the semi-autonomous city in a range of areas, from politics to media and education.

A park near the government’s harbour front headquarters filled with thousands of supporters through Friday evening.

Most sat calmly on the grass, many of them holding “Hong Kong Independence” placards and flags, as they listened to activists speak.

They applauded as banned candidate Edward Leung, the leader of new party Hong Kong Indigenous who is gaining a growing following, addressed the crowds.

“Hong Kong’s sovereignty does not belong to (Chinese President) Xi Jinping, does not belong to the authorities, and does not belong to the Hong Kong government. It belongs to the Hong Kong people,” said Leung.

Protester Satomi Cheng, a 49-year-old office manager, said many in the city were angry about China’s tightening grip.

Published in Dawn, August 6th, 2016