“Maidan” without borders or “Occupy” democracy

Different countries but same scenario

   The revolutions took place in any country in any time. Their aim is to break old ineffective system for further progress. “Maidan” in Ukraine and “Occupy” in Hong Kong have the same purpose – to end up with totalitarianism - and events unfold on a similar scenario.

   Nowadays, the world collapsed with revolutionary movements in the developing countries. First of all, it caused by authoritarianism - a form of government, characterized by absolute or blind obedience to authority, as against individual freedom and related to the expectation of unquestioning obedience. – which does not meet the time and often contradicts principles of democracy.

   Countries, which are currently authoritarian:

• ·         Belarus under Alexander Lukashenko
• ·         China under the Chinese Communist Party
• ·         Iran under Supreme Leaders Ruhollah Khomeini and Ali Khamenei
• ·         North Korea under the Korean Workers' Party
• ·         Syria under Hafez and Bashar al-Assad
• ·         Vietnam under the Vietnamese Communist Party
• ·      Russia under Vladimir Putin

   In Ukraine, Victor Yanukovich, ex-president of Ukraine and former leader of  “The Regional Party”, was on the way to set up authoritarianism, rejecting a pending EU association agreement and choosing instead to pursue a Russian loan bailout and closer ties with Russia, but “Euromaidan” broke in.

   Scenario of the Ukrainian “Maidan”

   In January 2014, this developed into deadly clashes in Independence Square and in other areas across Ukraine, as Ukrainian citizens confronted the Berkut and other special police units.

   In February 2014, Ukraine appeared to be on the brink of civil war, as violent clashes between protesters and special police forces led to many deaths and injuries.

  The scope of the protests expanded, with many calls for the resignation of President Viktor Yanukovych and his government. Also, movement “Antimaidan” in support of Yanukovich appeared, which, probably, was sponsored by himself.

   The protests ultimately led to the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. Many protesters joined because of the violent dispersal of protesters on 30 November and "a will to change life in Ukraine".

  By 25 January 2014, the protests had been fuelled by the perception of "widespread government corruption", "abuse of power", and "violation of human rights in Ukraine".

   The protests reached a climax during mid-February. On 18 February, the worst clashes of “Euromaidan” broke out after the parliament did not accede to demands that the Constitution of Ukraine be rolled back to its pre-2004 form, which would lessen presidential power. Police and protesters fired guns, with both live and rubber ammunition, in multiple locations in Kiev. The riot police advanced towards Maidan later in the day and clashed with the protesters but did not fully occupy it. The fights continued through the following days, in which the vast majority of casualties took place.

   On the night of 21 February, Maidan vowed to go into armed conflict if Yanukovych did not resign by 10:00 AM. Subsequently, the riot police retreated and Yanukovych and many other high government officials fled the country. Protesters gained control of the presidential administration and Yanukovych's private estate. The next day, the parliament impeached Yanukovych, replaced the government with a pro-European one, and ordered that Yulia Tymoshenko be released from prison. In the aftermath, the Crimean crisis began amid pro-Russian unrest.

   “Mistaken who thinks that people experiencing a revolution, it is easy to win; on the contrary, he is able to defeat the other.”

 Charles Louis Montesquieu

   Protest in Hong Kong

   Hong Kong, a former British colony, was handed back to China in 1997 following a 1984 agreement between China and Britain. China agreed to govern Hong Kong under the principle of "one country, two systems", where the city would enjoy "a high degree of autonomy, except in foreign and defence affairs" for 50 years. As a result, Hong Kong has its own legal system, and rights including freedom of assembly and free speech are protected.

   Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, says that "the ultimate aim" is to elect the chief executive "by universal suffrage".

   In August 2014 China's top legislative committee ruled that voters will only have a choice from a list of two or three candidates selected by a nominating committee.

   “There is no greater tyranny than that which is perpetrated under the shield of the law”.

Charles Louis Montesquieu

   “Occupy Central” is one of several pro-democracy groups pushing for electoral reform in Hong Kong. Its leaders - law professor Benny Tai, sociologist Chan Kin-man and church minister Yiu-ming. On 22 September, student groups began a week-long boycott of classes. A majority of the representatives are viewed as pro-Beijing.

   Pro-Beijing groups, such as “Silent Majority for Hong Kong” and “Caring Hong Kong Power” have emerged, criticising pro-democracy activists for "endangering" the city. They argue that continued civil disobedience and opposition to Beijing would only damage the city's reputation and economy, as well as its relationship with China.

   China has defended its ruling on election candidacy. Li Fei, the deputy secretary general of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, said that openly nominating candidates would create a "chaotic society" and that any chief executive must "love the country".

   Chief Executive CY Leung hailed Beijing's decision on election candidacy as a "major step forward in the development of Hong Kong's society". His government had said June's unofficial referendum had no legal standing.

   On 29 September tens of thousands have taken to the streets of Hong Kong in defiance of tear gas and government warnings.

   On 1 October student demonstrators angry at China's vetting of candidates for 2017 elections. said that protesters would start occupying government buildings if Mr Leung did not resign by Thursday. Overnight, protesters massed outside Mr Leung's office in a stand-off with some 200 police.

   Similar Scenario

   In both, Ukraine and Hong Kong, there are similar points:

• ·         a tyrant – Victor Yanukovich and  Mr. Leung;
• ·         demonstrators - students of the best universities of the country;
• ·         a place – the city-centre;
• ·         requirements - conduct clear and democratic politics and reassignment of the tyrant;
• ·         a method - occupying government buildings;
• ·         controversial views – “Antimaidan” and “Silent Majority for Hong Kong”;
• ·         a police use the force against demonstrations.

   Ukraine and Hong Kong have the same problem – authoritarianism; hidden political pressure under the cover of law. These revolutions arose because of people`s willing to live in the democratic country, to express their political position freely, to take the path of development and to create a better future for the country. The pressure counters the development, causes conflicts and leads to destruction. There`s no place for totalitarianism in the brand new world. The existence of countries with failures to comply with the rights and freedoms inhibits global progress.