HONG KONG: Candidates banned from standing for election in Hong Kong because they are advocating a split from mainland China led the city’s first pro-independence rally Friday.

Five pro-independence candidates who tried to register were rejected by election officials who said their stance went against Hong Kong’s mini-constitution.

Critics have slammed the move as censorship as fears grow over Beijing interference in the semi-autonomous city in a range of areas, from politics to media and education.

A park near the government’s harbor-front headquarters filled with thousands of supporters through Friday evening.

Most sat calmly on the grass, many of them holding “Hong Kong Independence” placards and flags, as they listened to activists speak. They applauded as banned candidate Edward Leung, the leader of new party Hong Kong Indigenous who is gaining a growing following, addressed the crowds.

Andy Chan, 25, leader of the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party and a disqualified candidate, said the rally was a chance to talk about the future.