Hong Kong ruler challenged over mass pro-democracy rally

HONG Kong newspapers said yesterday that the massive turnout at a pro-democracy rally in the Chinese territory indicates demands for far-reaching reforms are more pressing than ever and urged the government to respond.

Organisers said yesterday’s protest drew 250,000 people calling for full direct elections, while police put the turnout at 63,000.

“The Beijing and Hong Kong governments could not muster any persuasive reason to rebut the people’s aspirations. All they have is authoritarianism and delay tactics,” said the mass-market Apple Daily.