Thousands rallied in over 40 cities around the world over the weekend in opposition to totalitarianism, and in solidarity with protesters in Hong Kong who also took to the streets en masse. Events were held in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Norway, South Korea, Taiwan, and other places.

Protesters in Hong Kong initiated a global call to arms in response to growing encroachment from the Chinese Communist Party. Earlier versions of the event referred to the regime as “Chinazi” but the slogan was later changed amid controversy over the comparisons.

Photo: May James/HKFP.

In Hong Kong, demonstrators displayed dozens of national flags of multiple countries, bearing a banner that read: “Warning! Democracy and human rights under attack!” Riot police and protesters clashed later in the day, with officers using tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon and demonstrators throwing Molotov cocktails and bricks.

Demonstrations in Hong Kong have entered their 17th week, as the city marked five years since the birth of the pro-democracy Umbrella Movement this weekend. Since June, large-scale peaceful protests against a bill that would have enabled extraditions to China have evolved into sometimes violent displays of dissent over Beijing’s encroachment, democracy and alleged police brutality.

Washington DC, USA

Photo: DC4HK.

New York City, USA

Paris, France

Photo: En Solidarité avec Hongkong.

Tokyo, Japan

Photo: Apple Daily.

Oslo, Norway

Photo: Hong Kong Committee in Norway.

Berlin, Germany

Photo: Germany Stand with Hong Kong.

Frankfurt, Germany

Photo: Frankfurt stands with Hong Kong.

Sydney, Australia

Melbourne, Australia

Photo: Australia Hong Kong Link.

Auckland, New Zealand

Photo: We are Hong Konger (Auckland).

Calgary, Canada

Photo: UCalgary Hong Kong Concern.

Osaka, Japan

Photo: ritarita project, via Facebook.

Milan, Italy

Photo: Global Solidarity with Hong Kong, via Facebook.

Tallinn, Estonia

Photo: Heung Kong Yan, via Facebook.

Wellington, New Zealand

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