Hong Kong was returned to mainland China from the British Commonwealth in 1997 . The Chinese government has been accused of using its influence over Hong Kong's political system and judiciary to suppress freedom of expression since it seized control of the city after a 79-day occupation by pro-democracy protesters on Occupy Central brings attention to Hong Kong 's struggle for democracy . In the meantime , the Occupy Central movement has already achieved much by bringing greater attention to Hong Kong 's struggle for democracy . Hong Kong citizens are assembling pieces for greater civil participation , Piekos says .
Hong Kong was returned to mainland China from the British Commonwealth in 1997 . The Chinese government has been accused of using its influence over Hong Kong's political system and judiciary to suppress freedom of expression since it seized control of the city after a 79-day occupation by pro-democracy protesters on Occupy Central brings attention to Hong Kong 's struggle for democracy . Hong Kong citizens are assembling pieces for greater civil participation , Piekos says .