Thousands Join Rally Called By Teachers' Union

Tens of thousands of people braved rain and joined a rally organised by teachers to gather at the Chater Garden on Saturday afternoon in supports of the anti-extradition bill campaign.

The organisers said over 22,000 took part in the event. Police figures put 8,300 at the peak of the rally.

Fung Wai-wah, president of the Professional Teachers’ Union said this is the first rally and march organised for teachers over the extradition bill saga, for them to show support for the next generation.

"Teachers have been very concerned about the whole campaign. Many of them had joined rallies organised by other parties. But this is the first time this is organised just for teachers, so that they can have their opportunity to voice their concerns," he said.

Demonstrators, most of them clad in black, marched to Government House to "guard the next generation and speak their conscience".

One marcher, Cyrus Chan, a secondary school teacher said it's heart breaking to see students risking their future to fight for the city, when they should be enjoying their holidays or thinking of their study.

He said it is the responsibility of the adults to fight for rights, but we are passed it on the youngsters, he said. That's why we have to do whatever we can and stand in front of them even to protect them, Chan said.