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For Basic Human Rights

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

Hello all,

Welcome to this page.  If you are on this page, I’m assuming it’s because you managed to get a hold of one of my Free HK Hello Kitty Postcards.

If you haven’t been clued in yet towards all the Hong Kong Protests, this is the page for you.  Unfortunately, due to the language barrier and the lack of media coverage, I’m sure a lot of people haven’t heard about all the things happening in Hong Kong since there is almost no access to it.

To give you a short background of the protests, it all began with an Extradition Bill.  It was first considered when Chan Tong-kai, a Hong Kong man, murdered his pregnant girlfriend, Poon Hiu-Wing in Taiwan. Stuffing her body into a suitcase, then dumping it into the thicket of bushes near a subway station in Taipei.  After doing so he fled back to Hong Kong.  He was then arrested.  However, when authorities tried to prosecute him, they found that they were unable to, due to loopholes in the law. [2]

The Chief Executive of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam, decided to pass a law that would allow anyone who committed a crime in Hong Kong to be extradited to China.  [3] Instead of gaining the support of the people of Hong Kong, it caused concern and fear.  

What does being extradited actually mean?

“Extradition is an act where one jurisdiction delivers a person accused or convicted of committing a crime in another jurisdiction, over to their law enforcement. It is a cooperative law enforcement process between the two jurisdictions and depends on the arrangements made between them.”

This is due to China’s previous dishonesty towards keeping to the One Country two systems agreement with the United Kingdom,   Hong Kong was colonised previously by the British and was handed back to China in July 1st, 1997.  (Before you think that Hong Kong is better off being colonised by the British, there is a whole bit of history behind that and lots of corruption.  After all, Hong Kong was obtained from China in an unjust way.  I’ve put a link below for your to read up on the History of Hong Kong, [1])  China has been trying to make it seem that their One Country two systems method will work through Hong Kong.  However, it is terribly false.  Hong Kong for starters does not even vote for our leader.  Over the years since the hand over, Hong Kong citizens have felt and continue to feel that the mainland is closing in on them in subtle ways.  In fact, they haven’t just been doing that for Hong Kong only, it’s been happening in the west, look how many things are marked “Made In China”.  But, I digress.

Prior to the protests, citizens have previously took to marching on the streets during March and April to protest this corrupt bill.

The citizens of Hong Kong are fearful that it would be used in a corrupt way and would be a gateway for China to extradite and charge anyone in Hong Kong they find that they disagree with.  Hong Kongers took to the streets, (most of them in their teens) protesting the Bill on the 9th of June.  They were peacefully protesting despite being tear gased, being shot at by rubber bullets and pepper sprayed.  However, the police still labelled them as “rioters” rather than “protestors”.  For more information on the Extradition Bill, I will have a set of links beneath this post for you to read. [3][4]

Instead of retracting the bill and throwing it out, Carrie Lam persisted.  Stating in an interview on the 12th of June, “I’ve never once thought that I’ve been doing this against my conscience.  As I’ve said, we firmly believe we have been doing the right thing from the beginning.  It’s not only responsible to the victim’s family.  Now I can only say being responsible, I cannot promise the victim’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. Poon, that the suspect that murdered their daughter can be brought to justice.  If young people have taken action, and you don’t give them what you want, what then?  To use a metaphor, I’m a mother too, I have two sons.  If I let him have his way every time my son acts this way, I believe we will have a good relationship in the short term.  But if I indulge in his wayward behaviour, he might regret it after he grows up.  He will then ask me, “Mum, why didn’t you remind me back then?”  To say I have sold out Hong Kong.  How could I have?  I grew up here with all other HongKongers.  My love for this place has prompted me to make many personal sacrifices.” [5][6]

Watch the full video of the interview here

This caused anger through Hong Kong and specifically struck a chord with mothers in Hong Kong more angry as she basically compared the teenagers that are there to protest the Extradition Bill - peacefully, might I add - to children who are just whining, or acting out.  This caused mothers to organise a march for themselves.  However, no one would expect the event that would transpire on the 15th of June.

15th June

His name was Marco Leung.

He was only 35, described as “sunshine” by all friends and family and that he did charity work in his spare time.  And all in all, a good guy.

When Carrie Lam proposed that she was suspending the bill on the 15th of June, rather than withdrawing the bill, Marco Leung Ling-Kit climbed the elevated podium on the rooftop of Pacific Place, a shopping centre in Admiralty at 4:30 pm.  Wearing a yellow raincoat with the words “Brutal police are cold-blooded” and “Carrie Lam is killing Hong Kong” in Chinese written on the back, he hung a banner on the scaffolding with several anti-extradition slogans.  After a five-hour standoff, during which police officers and Democratic Party legislator Roy Kwong attempted to talk him down, Leung jumped to his death, missing an inflatable cushion set up by firefighters.  This fed the anger of the Hong Kong citizens and even more showed up to the protests on the 16th.  Everyone was devastated by the suicide and hoped that there will not be another tragedy like this again.  From then on, the yellow raincoat became a symbol of the protests.

An interview later with Marco Leung’s parents revealed that his mother still made breakfast for him, stating “We still pretend he’s with us, it feels as though he hasn’t left us at all.”  [7][8]

While he is being hailed a hero and a martyr, it makes me feel uneasy and uncomfortable, because he didn’t do it for everyone else, he did it because he couldn’t bare to see the future where China has rule over Hong Kong.  When this happened, it devastated me.  However, this was only just the start of the suicides.  I will warn you if you are prone to suicidal thoughts or self harm, please be advised that further suicides will be mentioned.  Also, I would like to add that suicide is never the way to resolve things, even if you don’t believe you will be missed, you will be.

On the 29th of June, a 21 year old university student, Lo Hiu-Yan, jumped to her death stating “I would use my little life as a sacrifice to fulfil the wishes of two million people, but please press on.” in her final message written on the wall.  Then on the 30th of June, just a day later, Zhita Wu, 29, left a heartbreaking message on Facebook, asking Hong Kong to “Add oil”, a common phrase to cheer on others, much like adding fuel to an engine.  And that she won’t be at the July 1st protest because she felt like there was no tomorrow and that she was tired and didn’t want to fight for tomorrow anymore.  [9][10]

You would have thought that by the end of the month, Carrie Lam would reconsider because of these suicides, but sadly, that is not to be.  As I check the Wikipedia page for Hong Kong Protests 2019, it says that there are at least 10 deaths, most of them suspected to be suicides. [11] [12] [14][15]

1st July

As I have mentioned before, 1st of July is the day Hong Kong was handed back to China.  Many took to the streets to continue protesting this bill.  However, Carrie Lam ignored the protests and ignored the violence caused by the police.  As a result, the police continued to become violent and protesters were just being labelled as “rioters”.

As police brutality escalated, citizens got more and more enraged by the police.  However, there are also some citizens that actually support the police and are against the protesters.  Many started showing their support for the police by wearing blue t-shirts.  Despite this, many were still against the police.  [13]

Escalation in violence

July 21st, in my opinion, started the escalation of violence on both the protestors and police’s part.  

A group of white clad men, suspected to be triad members, started to indiscriminately attack people in the Yuen Long MTR Station.  (MTR is the name of Hong Kong’s subway system).  Yes, even people that were just getting home from work or a day out were attacked.  Police took over 30 minutes to even respond to the incident.  A protest was organised, but the police tried to ban it.  The protestors defied the ban and went to Yuen Long to protest, saying that they were “Just going shopping in Yuen Long.”  

Because of this, some members of Cathay Pacific organised a peaceful protest at the airport in support of the protestors.

By this point, protests were every Sunday and although the protestors were predominantly non-violent, the police still used inhumane methods to disperse them.  As if the police couldn’t cause further anger towards themselves from the public, they fired tear gas into residential areas, one of which being Wong Tai Sin.

5th August

To further press their point, a strike was organised all over Hong Kong and about 350,000 people joined in on the strikes.  Over 200 flights were cancelled due to this incident.  To disperse the protesters, the police used more than 800 canisters of tear gas.  On August 6th, a student was arrested for possession of “offensive weapons”.  They were laser pens.  This act alone proved how desperate the police were to just accuse someone of crimes.  This prompted protestors to go to the Space museum and hold a Laser show, pointing their laser pointers at the wall of the space museum.

#Eye4HK movement & Airport protests

On the 11th of August, there was another protest.  Protests have been going on for two months now by this point.  But what made this protest so different from the rest was that a medic - who was just volunteering her help in the protests -was hit by a bean bag round fired by the police.  This made the protestors even more furious, it sparked the #Eye4HK movement.  It was started by a Korean actor, Kim Eui Sung on instagram.  [16]  The next day, the 12th, Cathay Pacific threatened its staff with being fired if they participated in protests. [17] Later on, on the 16th of September, the boss of Cathay Pacific stepped down. [18]

In an outrage, a protest was organised within the airport where from the 12th of August to the 14th, protestors sat in the airport, prompting Airport authority to cancel flights.  However, protestors later reflected upon it and decided it wasn’t the correct method to choose and issued an apology over social media.  They also went to the airport the next day and personally apologised to the tourists that were delayed.

#BoycottMulan

A movement to Boycott Mulan sparked when, on the 15th of August, the actress for Mulan posted a post in support of the Hong Kong police.  [19][20]

The Hong Kong Way

On the 23rd of August, Hong Kongers formed a human chain to draw attention to the movement’s five demands.

The Five demands are:

Complete withdrawal of the extradition bill from the legislative process: Although the Chief Executive announced indefinite suspension of the bill on 15 June, reading on it may be quickly resumed. The bill was “pending resumption of second reading” in the Legislative Council. The bill was formally withdrawn on 23 October.

Retraction of the “riot” characterisation: The government originally characterised the 12 June protest as “riots”. Later the description was amended to say there were “some” protesters who rioted. However, protesters contest the existence of acts of rioting during the 12 June protest.

Release and exoneration of arrested protesters: Protesters consider the arrests to be politically motivated; they also question the legitimacy of police arresting protesters at hospitals through access to their confidential medical data in breach of patient privacy.

Establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into police conduct and use of force during the protests: Civic groups felt that the level of violence used by the police on 12 June, specifically those against protesters who were not committing any offences when they were set upon, was unjustified; police performing stop-and-search to numerous passers-by near the protest site without probable cause was also considered abusive.  Some officers’ failure to display or show their police identification number or warrant card despite being required to do so by the Police General Orders is seen to be a breakdown of accountability.  The existing watchdog, Independent Police Complaints Council lacks independence, and its functioning relies on police co-operation.

Resignation of Carrie Lam and the implementation of universal suffrage for Legislative Council and Chief Executive elections:Currently, the Chief Executive is selected by a 1,200-member Election Committee, and 30 of the 70 Legislative Council seats are filled by representatives from different sectors of the economy, forming the majority of the so-called functional constituencies, most of which have few elector

Prince Edward Station Incident

On the 31st of August, protestors, despite the ban put in place by police, still went to protest.  At night, Prince Edward Station was stormed by the Special Tactical Squad.  They beat and pepper-sprayed commuters and protestors alike.  Following that, protestors gathered at Mong Kok MTR station to demand they release the CCTV footage of the incident in Prince Edward Station.  To this date, there has nothing that has become of this CCTV footage.  The pleas have fallen on deaf ears and police have denied that anything even happened. [21] [22]

The Withdrawal of the Bill

On the 4th of September, Carrie Lam decided to (finally) formally withdraw the Extradition Bill.  However, being three months too late, this was received particularly badly by the general public. [23]  The protestors no longer wanted just this anymore, they wanted the Five Demands they requested. [24]

Starting from the 10th of September, protestors began singing “Glory to Hong Kong” [25] while marching or in various locations.  It was a song that was originally posted on the 26th of August.  The song was written to include the phrase “光復香港，時代革命” (“Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times”).  They also went on to initiate campaigns to boycott shopping malls that are owned by The MTR corporation, New Town Plaza, Pro-Beijing shops and corporations.  

National Day and Mask ban

On the 1st of October, China’s national day, protestors organised another protest.  The violence escalated further as a protestor was shot in the chest by a police officer while he was trying to hit him with a pipe.  Police attacked protestors with tear gas, rubber bullets, sponge grenades and water cannons.  The protestors fought back, using corrosive fluid, bricks and petrol bombs.  74 protestors were injured and 25 police officers were also injured.

Following that, on the 4th of October, Carrie Lam decided to pass a mask ban in an attempt to stop people from protesting.  But This did not stop the protestors. [26]

#BoycottBlizzard

I’m not going to lie, ever since this incident happened, more of the people I have on my facebook are actually posting about the Hong Kong protests.  More people have become more aware.  On the 6th of October, a gamer known as Blitzchung was kicked out of a professional e-sports tournament after voicing his support for the protestors in Hong Kong in an interview. (“Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times” ) Then shortly after, he was banned for 12 months by Blizzard, who are in business with China and made to forfeit the equivalent of $10,000 in prize money. [27] Blizzard also stated that the two interviewers who conducted the interview were fired.  

Of course, this has highlighted how even the west walks on eggshells when doing business with China.  How they are fearful of being punished otherwise.  A good example of high street brands that had to apologise are Versace, Dior, Muji, Zara, Gap, the list goes on… [29]

The backlash Blizzard face from the rest of the world was huge, making the #BoycottBlizzard tag trend on twitter. [28] They have also shortened Blitzchung’s ban to 6 months and will receive his winnings from the tournament.   Mei from Overwatch has also become a symbol for the protests as a result.  Of course, Blizzard aren’t one of the only companies that came under fire when it comes to the Hong Kong protests.  NBA, Apple and even Google have come under fire over the subject.

"To cut a long story short, Daryl Morey, who was the general manager of Houston Rockets, shared a tweet that showed support for Hong Kong anti-government protesters. This caused backlash from China and the NBA has since apologised. [30] Apple and Google pulled the HKmap.live app from their app stores.  The app allows Hong Kong protestors to see the location of the police and where tear gas has been fired." [31]

Violence & breach of rights against protestors

On the 11th of October, a livestreamed account of a female university student sparked new anger towards the Hong Kong police.  In the account, Sonia Ng, claimed that the police had sexually assaulted her.  She also went on to say that detained protestors were body-searched in dark rooms and that others also “suffered sexual violence”. [32]

This is not the first time the police have been accused of sexual harassment. [33]

Many detainees have also come out to speak about the mistreatment of their time detained by the police. [34][35]

In fact, some protestors have prepared “last letters” to their loved ones in case they don’t return to them. [36]

For more information, please check out the Wikipedia page on the 2019 Hong Kong Protests.  The link will be provided below.  [37]

So, what can you do to help?

Firstly, you’re already helping by reading this long post.  I’m going to be a pain and ask you to read the Wikipedia article too for further information.  Secondly, have you signed the petition yet?  It’s linked at the very top, however, I’ve linked it here too.  Thirdly, If you live in the UK, please bring it up to your MPs, if you live in the US, please bring it up to the senator that represents your area.  Fourthly, just spread the word, share articles on Facebook or Twitter, in fact, just share all of the links I’ve provided in this post.

Lastly, I ask you to remember those who have died from the protests.  Remember Marco Leung, the first person to take his life over the protests.  Remember Lo Hiu-Yan and Zhita Wu, who felt like there was no tomorrow and that she was tired and didn’t want to fight for tomorrow anymore.  Remember all those who couldn’t bare to see the results in the fight for freedom.

Thank you so much for reading this post.  Remember that even if things look bleak, you must press on.

[1] The history of Hong Kong, visualized

[2] Taiwan Murder Case

[3] Everything you need to know about Hong Kong’s extradition law

[4] A digital Cat-and-Mouse Battle between Police and Protesters in Hong Kong

[5] Carrie Lam addresses extradition law controversy

[6] The difference between Police before and Police now

[7] Marco Leung’s suicide

[8] Hong Kong remembering Marco Leung

 Lo Hiu-Yan’s Suicide:

[9] https://www.theepochtimes.com/21-year-old-hong-kong-student-dies-after-leaving-message-protesting-extradition-bill_2983629.html

[10] http://shanghaiist.com/2019/06/30/21-year-old-hong-kong-student-leaves-anti-extradition-note-then-jumps-to-her-death/

 Zhita Wu’s Suicide:

[11] https://shanghaiist.com/2019/07/01/third-suicide-by-an-anti-extradition-protestor-in-hong-kong-sparks-alarm-bells/

[12] https://www.dimsumdaily.hk/copycat-anti-extradition-suicide/

[13] Joshua Wong’s thoughts on July 1st protests

[14]  Another Hong Kong Protester Fell to Her Death After Leaving a Message for the Government

[15] Hong Kong protest Suicides

[16] #Eye4HK: How a Korean actor started social media movement in solidarity with people of Hong Kong

[17] Cathay threatens to fire staff over ‘illegal’ HK protests

[18] Cathay Pacific boss Rupert Hogg quits after protest row

[19] https://twitter.com/AnthonyKFHo/status/1161977889371430914?s=20

[20] Here’s What to Know About the Mulan Boycott

[21] Hong Kong: Rampaging police must be investigated

[22] Hong Kong authorities deny protester death claims after police raid

[23] ‘Too little, too late’: Hong Kong democrats and protesters vow further action despite extradition bill withdrawal

[24] Why are the protesters in Hong Kong not holding back and looking forward to burn with the government

[25] Glory to Hong Kong

[26] Thousands on streets of Hong Kong rage against mask ban

[27] Blizzard bans video game star after he supports Hong Kong protests

[28]  Blizzard, Hearthstone and the Hong Kong protests: What you need to know

[29] Versace is the latest major brand to express its “deepest apologies” to China

[30] The NBA’s crisis in China threatens multibillion-dollar ties

[31] Apple pulls HKmap.live app used in Hong Kong protests

[32] Student’s emotional allegation of sexual assault by Hong Kong police sparks investigation and anger

[33] #ProtestToo: Hongkongers adopt anti-sexual harassment rallying cry in response to police assault allegations

[34] More doctors, nurses decry police for arresting first-aiders, preventing treatment

[35] Amnesty accuses Hong Kong police of abuses, torture of protesters

[36] Hear Hong Kong Protesters Read Their Final Goodbyes | The Dispatch

[37] 2019 Hong Kong protests

[38] Lord Alton's opening speech in Hong Kong debate

Good twitters to follow:

HongKongHermit

Joshua Wong

Misakisuzuki

Winnie the Xi

#HKResist Fight for Hong Kong