In Hong Kong, a protest rally was held yesterday in front of the Hong Kong government building against Hong Kong government's decision to bar a young pro-democracy activist from running in an upcoming legislative by-election. The participants voiced concerns that the Chinese and Hong Kong governments are stepping up pressure on pro-democracy movements. <br/><br/>Authorities on Saturday declared Agnes Chow, an executive member of a pro-democracy party's candidacy invalid, stating that her party's insistence on the referendum infringes on Hong Kong's constitution. <br/><br/>Participants told media that the decision to disqualify Chow is absurd and unfair and that Hong Kong's government is merely a puppet for Beijing. The by-election has been scheduled for March since a court disqualified 4 legislators from serving in the assembly last year. The 4 are critical of the Chinese government.<br/><br/>