Occupy Central protests unfolded across Hong Kong over the weekend as thousands of people rallied for democracy and greater autonomy from the mainland Chinese government. At least 78 demonstrators were arrested and 41 injured as of Monday. The movement was dubbed the “Umbrella Revolution” after protesters used their umbrellas to block the pepper spray riot police used on them over the weekend.
"My biggest concern is that the [Hong Kong] government is not there to fight for us," Kristy Lee, a 16-year-old student, told CNN. Hong Kong Chief Executive C.Y. Leung, she said, "is just working for the government of China -- he doesn't really listen to us, even though we fight for so long. That's why we are here -- we have to speak for ourselves."
Many schools, banks and other important facilities were shut down because of the protests. Supporters handed out food and drinks to the protesters. While protests are common in Hong Kong, the deployment of riot police and the use of tear gas is unusual. The crowd, mostly students, also donned homemade masks of goggles and plastic wrap to protect against pepper spray and tear gas.
Here are some photos from the last two days of protests in one of Asia's most prosperous and influential cities.