Hong Kong's #612strike and protests

Hong Kong’s greatest challenge as of yet - the controversial extradition law. Following protests on 9 June 2019, the city is now gearing up for the second wave of protests (as this article is being written). Despite a large turnout during the protests on the 9th, Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam had reaffirmed her decision on the second hearing of the law. However, as the momentum of the protest builds and roads towards the Legislative Council (LegCo) continue to be blockaded by protesters, the latest news out from the LegCO by its President was that the meeting will be postponed until a suitable timing is determined by him.

So, why is the Hong Kong public so angry about this law?

What the law entails - China’s judiciary system

As the name of the law suggests, it allows for criminal suspects from Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China. While many countries have extradition treaties with each other, the key here is China. China does not have a independent judiciary, which is currently controlled by the Communist Party. Hence, it is feared by many that this would, in turn, erode Hong Kong’s judicial independence and its reputation of having a fair and just judicial system.

Human rights

Another issue with China is its lack of respect for human rights. When it comes to interrogation, China is known to have used torture against its suspects (and innocent people). Moreover, this comes at a time when Hong Kong continues to actively fend off China’s increasing influence over its politics and culture. Many fear that political freedom and freedom of speech will soon be under even greater threat should this law pass.

For example, in late 2015, 5 staffs of Causeway Bay Books went missing and were then suspected to have been detained in mainland China due to their sale of political books that are considered sensitive in mainland China and are hence, banned. While that is so, as Basic Law is observed in Hong Kong, freedom of speech is guaranteed and these books are thus allowed to be sold in Hong Kong. As a result, the bookstore became very popular among Mainland Chinese tourists who would buy these books and bring them back to mainland China.

Months later, these 5 staffs were slowly released following confessions of their alleged crimes - selling banned books to mainland China. However, Lam Wing-kee, one of the former detainees had publicly stated that the confessions were staged and scripted and had also detailed his 8-months ordeal in mainland China.

Protests

Reminiscent of the 2014 Umbrella Movement, the streets of Hong Kong are once again occupied and this time the support seems to be much stronger. The Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union have called on its members to attend the protest rally. The Catholic diocese had asked all Christians to pray for the city while urging the public to show restraint and adopt peaceful means in voicing their concerns. HSBC and Standard Chartered have also adopted flexible work arrangements for its staff for 12 June while many small businesses have shut down and transport operators have gone slow.

Scenes from the protests on 9 June 2019

This fight is not just about the law. It is about defending democracy and the rule of law in Hong Kong. Protests are not always bad. When the enemy has the potential to weaken the city, protests bring out the greatest of people - unity and determination. As the protesters continue to battle their way towards defending their Hong Kong, we can only wish them the very best. Stay safe Hong Kongers!

(All photos by Joseph Chan)

By Eugene Goh