Tanaysha Fields

The Hong Kong protests of 2019 have been going on for more than 6 months as of October 2019. First beginning on March 31st, 2019, the protests, also known as the Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill (ELAB) Movement, have become increasingly alarming.

These protests began in efforts to prevent the Fugitive Offenders amendment bill proposed by Hong Kong’s government from being enacted. The bill would ultimately allow the territorial unit of China to give local authorities the power to control criminal fugitives that are wanted in other territories who are wanted in other territories within China.

The concern of those protesting is that the bill undermines their region’s “One country, two systems” principles and liberties.

Five key demands were laid out. These are for the withdrawal of the Fugitive Offenders amendment bill, leader Carrie Lam’s resignation, investigation of police brutality, the release of protesters that have been detained, and democratic freedoms to be increased.

The protests have become increasingly violent over the last few months. The trust between Hong Kong’s residents and Hong Kong’s law enforcement has completely diminished.

In August of 2019, the ELAB Movement acquired a figurehead for its efforts. A young woman was shot with a bean bag bullet. The projectile broke through her goggles and went into her right eye.

An airport protest signifying “An eye for an eye” was put together in efforts to push one of the key demands: police brutality.

Hong Kong’s International Airport was set as the location for the demonstration. Eye patches were worn for the victim of the previous injury.

Currently, thousands of Hong Kong protesters have been in big support of the passing of a new US bill. This bill ultimately will sanction/penalize China and Hong Kong. American flags were waved in support and cries for the United States’ help.

This is a big demonstration of how much support and awareness actually matters in worldly news. The only hope now is for the safety of all of those in Hong Kong as they may finally have their voices heard and peace restored.