People
have been taking to the streets of Hong Kong over the past 10 days
forcing the city's pro-China leadership to shelve a proposed
extradition bill. Unlike the 2014 Umbrella Movement, the protesters
appear more willing to take direct action and risk retaliation by the
police.
On
June 9, an estimated one million people marched in opposition to the
controversial bill that would allow suspects to be extradited to
mainland China for trial, sending a
powerful message.
Three days later, tens of thousands were once again on the streets,
surrounding the government complex where the bill was due to be
debated. Chief Executive Carrie Lam bowed to public pressure and said
she would postpone the bill. But the protersters want it withdrawn
completely and Lam to resign and so an
estimated 2 million Hong Kongers crowded the streets - the third big
rally within a week.
Kong Tsung-gan, author of two books on the Umbrella Movement and its aftermath who had spent time with the student protesters, watched as the scene unfolded.
"They're
not interested in sitting in the streets for 79 days with no outcome
in sight," Kong said. "I think they're angrier too.
They're fed up."
Alex Chow, a student leader during the Umbrella Movement, explained that the protesers were "...definitely leaderless. They communicate through social media." Still, the protesters seemed well-organised. Volunteers distributed umbrellas, masks and hard hats. The bravest among them chased down tear gas canisters, dousing them with water. "Because of events like the Umbrella Movement, people are more prepared for direct action," Chow said. "They are also prepared for the consequences."
Demosisto's
co-founder, Joshua Wong, was released from prison, but Hong Kong's
best-known activist had missed two record-breaking marches. Today,
he's likely to be less
influential than in 2014 when he the face of Hong Kong's
protest. Now, he is one of many in a movement without leaders.
No comments:
Post a Comment