Passions run high ahead of Hong Kong debate on China-vetted democracy plan

Source: Yahoo! News / Reuters

HONG KONG (Reuters) - More than a thousand people converged on Hong Kong's Legislative Council early on Wednesday before lawmakers debate a Beijing-backed electoral reform plan that could trigger fresh protests in the Chinese-controlled city.

The former British colony has reinforced security after mass protests crippled parts of the Asian financial hub late last year, presenting China's ruling Communist Party with one of its biggest political challenges in decades.

The Legislative Council issued an "amber alert" before the vote on the reform package, which is expected by Friday. The council is due to start the debate at 0300 GMT (11:00 p.m. (Monday) ET).

Police were deployed inside the council complex overnight, and police sources said more than 5,000 specially trained officers would be on standby, while some roads leading to government buildings were closed.

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