Star Ferry pier

1.

The news on the TV reports
Young people mounting a bulldozer
banners waving: Star Ferry Pie stays
Mixed feelings pull my head down

The protest against the demolition of Star Ferry has been going on for four days. After the violent crack down by the police, protesters are now launching hunger strike.

In December 14, at the eve of the Ferry's 49 years anniversary, the demonstrators organized a peaceful candle night. When they moved to the front gate of the construction site, the police surrounded dozen of them with iron bar and arrested 11 of them under minor charges within the Police force ordinance, such as "obstructing public officers".

In order to construct a highway (P2) along the coast, connecting Wanchai and Central, the Hong Kong government decided to demolish Star Ferry and Queen's Pier - the two most famous tourist spots in Hong Kong. Since Monday (November 27), the pier is being torn down bit by bit.

Architects, conservationists and cultural activists are now launching public campaigns to rescue the pier. This morning (Nov 30, 2006), a group of citizens climbed up the clock tower, rang the bell and put up a banner, calling for a stop in demolition. (See: photos) A mass mobilization will take place at noon time on 3 of December, 2006. The demonstrators will march from Old star ferry pier to government building and have a cultural night outside Star ferry pier.