ABOUT THE HONG KONG PROTESTS

 

The Hong Kong protest began in June against the plans to allow the extradition to mainland China. Many people believed this could undermine judicial independence and endanger dissidents. For many years, Hong Kong was ruled by the British as a colony but was returned to China in 1997. Under the "one country, two systems" agreement it gives people more rights and some autonomy. The extradition bill was withdrawn by Carrie Lam in September but the protests continue and now demand full democracy and an inquiry into the police action. The clashes between the activists and the police have become increasingly violent, with police firing live bullets and protesters attacking officers and throwing petrol bombs.