So, you’ve probably heard about the massive protest at Hong Kong. It’s impressive, right? But just in case you haven’t, let me give you a quick idea about what’s going on.
What is Hong Kong’s actual status within China?
Hong Kong was once one of the many British colonies throughout the world, ceded by China after the First Opium War in 1841; and it wasn’t returned to China’s control until 1997. But the British didn’t just give it back without some conditions. The idea was that the city would have to remain relatively autonomous, in what was called a “one country, two systems” deal. This means Hong Kong is supposed to keep its own judicial, legislative, and economic systems independently from those of its mainland overlord.
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As a direct result of this arrangement, many of China’s laws don’t really apply to Hong Kong. The effective jurisdiction of Chinese authorities is limited in the city, and its citizens are determined to keep it that way—since it provides a level of freedom that has allowed the city to thrive beyond its wildest dreams and become one of the most important financial hubs in the world. China, however, is still responsible for defending it and handling its foreign affairs.
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So, what’s the controversy?—tightening the grip
As the Chinese government seeks to increase its direct influence over Hong Kong, authorities proposed a bill last February which, if effected into law, would allow the extradition of fugitives to mainland China and other territories.
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According to Chinese officials, the bill is meant to “plug some loopholes” so that the city cannot be used as a safe haven for criminals. But the region’s citizens felt differently: they fear the law could be easily used by the Chinese government to persecute political dissidents in an authoritarian fashion, thereby effectively undermining Hong Kong’s autonomy.
Unsurprisingly, there was widespread discontent when the bill was announced, and the people were resolved to make their voice heard one way or another.
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The protests
Last Wednesday, tens of thousands gathered on the streets to encircle government buildings in a peaceful protest, in order to stop the official second reading & debate of the controversial bill. But things did not go smoothly. Police and protesters clashed, and authorities were accused of using excessive force to suppress what was otherwise a non-violent and perfectly legal manifestation. 60 civilians and 22 police officers were reportedly injured during the event, with over 32 people arrested.
@7kychanIn a move that would further antagonize the population, Hong Kong’s elected chief executive, Carrie Lam, publicly labeled the protests as “organized riots”—a crime that carries the severe sentence of up to ten years in jail.
But this strategy backfired. The protesters not only outright rejected the label, but thousands upon thousands more were motivated to join the movement. Carrying signs that read “They are kids, not rioters” and “the students did not riot,” hundreds of thousands more now took to the streets during the weekend, with over one million people reported to have marched on Sunday alone.
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An unsatisfactory apology
Facing such enormous pressure from such an imposing number of people, Hong Kong’s government had no choice but to suspend the bill and adopt a far more conciliatory tone. Carrie Lam issued a public apology for proposing the bill in the first place, saying that she’s sorry for “her government’s work that has led to substantial controversies and disputes in society, causing disappointment and grief among the people.”
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But these measures were not enough for the enraged population of Hong Kong. The protestors, most of whom are young citizens, are demanding Lam’s resignation and the complete withdrawal of the extradition bill.
@lsb.coThe inhabitants of Hong Kong have truly shown the world how to raise our voice and get things done. As their struggle continues, the eyes of the entire world are trained on the region’s government, whose position is as precarious as ever.
@shado.mag(Cover photo: @c_albertosi)
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