Man threatens to jump off bridge at Hong Kong protest site

Image
AFP Hong Kong
Last Updated : Oct 05 2014 | 5:25 PM IST
A man threatened to jump from an overhead pedestrian walkway in the middle of a Hong Kong protest site on Sunday, saying he was angry his children's schools had been shut by the demonstrations.
The man, who said his surname was Yau, scaled the covered bridge in the city's Admiralty district -- the epicentre of the protests -- and berated protesters for five hours, at one point brandishing a knife.
"Give the road back to Hong Kong's parents so kids can go back to school," he shouted to crowds assembled below, according to an AFP reporter.
"I'm not supporting the government, I'm representing parents asking you when you will clear the road," he added. "I've got three children at home."
The walkway links Hong Kong's besieged government offices and a shopping centre, and allows pedestrians to cross what is ordinarily a busy highway.
For the last week the road has become a home from home for thousands of pro-democracy protesters, who hold rallies, eat and sleep in the area, paralysing traffic and causing schools to close.
The man had said he would not move until he was live on CNN and the BBC and demanded an audience with student leaders Joshua Wong and Alex Chow, threatening to jump if his requests were not granted.
The liberal Apple Daily claimed he was a professional stuntman hired to disrupt the democracy protests.
Angry opponents have clashed with protesters since Friday in satellite protest sites located in two shopping districts, tearing down their tents and barricades, while shop owners have complained they are losing business as the city remains at a standstill.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Oct 05 2014 | 5:25 PM IST

Next Story