Hundreds of people turned out at Aberdeen Centre on Saturday to take part in a singing flash mob to support the Hong Kong protests against the now-withdrawn extradition bill.
Around 2 p.m., people gathered and sang the songs “Glory to Hong Kong”— which was composed in August and became a theme song for the protest movement — and “Do You Hear the People Sing.” Both songs were sung in Cantonese (video below).
“We are Canadians that want to support Hong Kong, and we’re not part of any organization or association — just citizens of Canada,” said one of the major participants, who did not wish to disclose their identity due to safety concerns.
“Our intention is to not to interrupt businesses (in the mall), but to show that we support Hong Kong in a peaceful manner.”
The participant told the News that a Fairchild Radio program hosted by Anita Lee received multiple complaints after playing the song “Glory to Hong Kong” on Sept. 11.
A couple of days later, Lee, the radio host, told listeners that she is stepping away and taking leave from the show because her son started school.
“We found it too much of a coincidence for her to be leaving the show so suddenly,” said the flash mob participant.
During the event, Hong Kong-Canadian immigrants flooded the Aberdeen Centre atrium, saying that five demands need to be met for the sake of Hong Kong, including the resignation of Carrie Lam, the chief executive; that the Hong Kong government retract its characterization of the violent clashes as “riots;” and a full independent inquiry into police actions during the protest movement be launched.
The crowd also chanted “Hong Kong police brutality” and “Fight for Hong Kong democracy and freedom.”
The Richmond News has reached out to Aberdeen Centre for comment.
