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Hong Kong Protests Gain Pace as China Rules Out Full Democracy

Democracy activists vow to step up protests after China rules out allowing open nominations in the inaugural election for Hong Kong's leader.
Image: Activists Take To The Streets As China Votes On Hong Kong Election Process
Protesters take part in a rally during the Occupy Central with Love and Peace protest at Tamar Park outside the Hong Kong Government Building on August 31, 2014.Anthony Kwan / Getty Images

China's legislature on Sunday ruled out allowing open nominations in the inaugural election for Hong Kong's leader, saying they would create a "chaotic society." Democracy activists in the Asian financial hub responded by saying that a long-threatened mass occupation of the heart of the city "will definitely happen."

Thousands of people gathered in a park across from Hong Kong government headquarters to protest the widely expected announcement, chanting slogans and waving their cellphones. The Occupy Central with Love and Peace protest movement has vowed to rally at least 10,000 people to paralyze the city's financial district — known as Central — to press demands for genuine democracy.

Image: Activists Take To The Streets As China Votes On Hong Kong Election Process
A protester taking part in a rally during the Occupy Central with Love and Peace protest at Tamar Park outside the Hong Kong Government Building on August 31, 2014.Anthony Kwan / Getty Images

— The Associated Press