Tensions Rise in Hong Kong

By Elena Villa '23

When the world first heard of the protests taking place in the streets of Hong Kong, millions compared this tense situation to a post-apocalyptic scene. In reality, it is clear that this is not part of a movie, but rather the effect of a powerful government on its citizens. Because China signed a deal with Great Britain in 1997, which would allow the Chinese to take Hong Kong back after 50 years of democracy, tensions in this metropolis are not new. However, over 110 days ago, a push for the revaluation of a bill allowing extradition (conducting trials in another country) to mainland China was the spark for a new, powerful movement. In fact, 1 in 7 residents opposed this decision, and many marched in the first of the innumerable protests that have occurred since then. 

As hostility grew between protesters and police, physical retaliation became increasingly violent on both sides, especially as the police began using “excessive brutality” on participants, throwing tear gas into crowds. This cruelty and the postponing of the bill led to the largest protest in Hong Kong’s history on June 19th: 2 million people marched to encourage the final suspension of the bill and open investigations on police conduct. The bill was suspended, but the protests continue, and are now at their fourth month.

The issue runs deeper than one bill or a single police incident: political control and previous impediments on elections in the city moved the participants to demand a revaluation of the entire governmental culture. Since then, violence has escalated from what began as a peaceful movement to numerous horrific scenes on the receiving end of each side. From a woman whose eye was taken out by an unknown projectile in the crowd to the first police shot round in early October. 

Though it is not clear where the movement will lead, what stands out is the passion of the

people of Hong Kong when it comes to fighting for what they believe in.

A violent scene of the now recurrent clashes with the police, with the protesters often using umbrellas as protection.

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