Benny Van Der Plank
Aftermath Hong Kong Protests
Aftermath Hong Kong Protests: Hong Kong's protests started in 2019 in response to plans that would allow extradition to mainland China. After the plans were withdrawn demonstrations continued and protesters now demand full democracy and an inquiry into police actions. In November 2019, a student was critically injured following a fall from height inside a carpark and died a few days later. By then, clashes between police and protesters had become more frequent and increasingly violent. In an effort to bring parts of the city to a halt, protesters took to forming makeshift roadblocks using metal railings, bricks from pavements and other items to use as projectiles. The umbrella has been used to shield against the pepper spray and tear gas of the police, thus has become a political symbol of resistance. The clashes have left an open wound on the daily lives of Hong Kong’s citizens.