University students in Hong Kong staged a mass rally on Friday evening aimed at gaining international support for anti-government protests.

Organizers say 60,000 people gathered at a park in central Hong Kong Island, spilling out onto the surrounding streets.

The organizers urged the US to punish any violations of human rights with sanctions, such as freezing the assets of Hong Kong authorities or reviewing preferential trade treatment.

In a video message, some British lawmakers say they stand with Hong Kong, which London handed back to Beijing in 1997.

A 25-year-old woman said the Hong Kong government won't listen, and that protestors will raise their activities to appeal to the world.
More protests are expected over the weekend, including a large-scale rally on Sunday.

NHK