Hong Kongers mark half-year protest anniv with rally

People gather at Victoria Park for a pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong on December 8, 2019 (Photo by AFP)

People wearing masks depicting Pepe the Frog, a character used by pro-democracy activists as a symbol of their struggle, gather before the 'Human Rights Day' rally from Victoria Park to Chater Road in Hong Kong on December 8, 2019. (Photo by AFP)

Pro-Beijing supporters wave Chinese national flags during a rally in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Reuters)

People take part in a pro-democracy rally from Victoria Park to Chater Road in Hong Kong on December 8, 2019. (Photo by AFP)

Vast crowds of democracy protesters thronged Hong Kong's streets on Sunday in a forceful display of support for the movement on its six-month anniversary, as organisers warned the city's pro-Beijing leaders they had a "last chance" to end the political crisis.

Tens of thousands snaked their way through the financial hub's main island under crisp winter skies in what looked set to be the biggest turnout in months.

The rally, which received rare police permission, comes two weeks after pro-establishment parties got a drubbing in local elections, shattering government claims that a "silent majority" opposed the protests.

Many of those attending voiced anger that chief executive Carrie Lam and Beijing have ruled out any further concessions despite the landslide election defeat.

"No matter how we express our views, through peacefully marching, through civilised elections, the government won't listen," said a 50-year-old protester, who gave his surname Wong. "It only follows orders from the Chinese Communist Party."

"What has been stirred up in society the past few months won't simply fade away if the government refuses to solve the problem of systematic injustice," added Sirius Tam, 21, who donned a giant mask of Pepe the Frog, a cartoon character who has become an irreverent symbol of the protests.