Historical Timeline
Key Events and Milestones of Occupy Central with Love and Peace
Occupy Central with Love and Peace: 2013-2014
This timeline documents the key events of the Occupy Central with Love and Peace movement from its formation in March 2013 to its conclusion in December 2014. The movement was officially disbanded when its founders surrendered to police on December 3, 2014.
Initial Concept
Benny Tai Yiu-ting published an article in the Hong Kong Economic Journal titled "Civil Disobedience's Deadliest Weapon," proposing an occupation of Central if electoral reform failed to materialize according to democratic principles.
Political Catalyst
Qiao Xiaoyang announced that Chief Executive candidates must be persons who "love the country and love Hong Kong" and do not confront the central government, setting new pre-conditions for candidacy that prompted further discussion about electoral reform.
Occupy Central with Love and Peace Formation
Occupy Central with Love and Peace was officially launched by Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, Benny Tai, and Chan Kin-man at a press conference where they presented the movement's manifesto emphasizing peaceful advocacy and democratic dialogue.
First Deliberation Day
Occupy Central with Love and Peace organized the first public deliberation day, inviting attendees to exchange views on strategies for achieving democratic reform through peaceful means and constructive dialogue.
Second Deliberation Day
Continued public engagement through organized forums discussing electoral reform strategies and democratic processes, maintaining the movement's commitment to peaceful dialogue and community consultation.
Third Deliberation Day
Participants voted on electoral reform proposals from various pro-democracy groups. The student groups' proposal received the most votes (45%), followed by People Power (27%) and the Alliance for True Democracy (18%).
Civic Referendum
792,808 people participated in an unofficial referendum on electoral reform proposals organized by Occupy Central with Love and Peace. The Alliance for True Democracy proposal won with 42.1% of votes. 87.8% agreed that LegCo should veto inadequate government proposals.
NPCSC Decision
The National People's Congress Standing Committee announced its decision on Hong Kong's electoral systems for 2017, leading Occupy Central with Love and Peace to plan civil disobedience protests as outlined in their original methodology.
"Black Clock" March
Occupy Central with Love and Peace organized a march as part of their preparatory activities before the planned civil disobedience campaign, maintaining their commitment to peaceful advocacy.
Student Strike
Students organized a class boycott campaign, with members of Hong Kong Federation of Students and Scholarism taking leading roles. This preceded the official launch of Occupy Central with Love and Peace's civil disobedience phase.
Movement Launch
In the early hours, Benny Tai announced the official start of Occupy Central with Love and Peace's civil disobedience phase. By evening, police used pepper spray, tear gas, and batons to disperse protesters, leading to the occupation of multiple areas including Admiralty, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok.
Return to Teaching
Chan Kin-man and Benny Tai returned to their university teaching duties, with Occupy Central with Love and Peace handing over operational responsibilities to student groups while maintaining their commitment to peaceful advocacy.
Leaders Surrender and Disbandment
The Occupy Central with Love and Peace trio, along with 62 others including Cardinal Joseph Zen, voluntarily surrendered to police. Occupy Central with Love and Peace was officially disbanded by the founders upon their surrender, marking the end of the movement.
Movement Conclusion
The last occupied zone in Causeway Bay was cleared peacefully. Police announced that 955 people had been arrested throughout the occupation period, with 75 having turned themselves in. This marked the final conclusion of all activities related to the Occupy Central with Love and Peace movement.
Historical Statistics
Movement Conclusion
Occupy Central with Love and Peace concluded its activities on December 3, 2014, when its founders voluntarily surrendered to police and officially disbanded the organization. The movement operated for approximately 20 months from March 2013 to December 2014, representing a significant period in Hong Kong's political history.