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The semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong has been rocked by protests recently after a controversial extradition bill, one that allows 'suspects' to be taken back to mainland China for questioning, has reopened old wounds and grievances.

The former British colony, which was handed back to Chinese rule in 1997, has endured an uneasy relationship with the mainland while attempting to keep its special status in a "one country, two systems," agreement.

Attempts by the Chinese Communist Party to further impose its will on the Hong Kong population have resulted in pro-democracy protests and civil disobedience, with activists most recently finding their voice in the 2014 'Umbrella Movement' which occupied large parts of Hong Kong for 79 days.

Now Hong Kongers are out on the streets again, heading out in even larger crowds of people this time. It is estimated that around 2 million people, 25% of the Hong Kong population, have taken part in the peaceful protests so far, and they have forced both the local government and Beijing to rethink their stance.

These are no wild, violent insurrections, though. Hong Kongers do their protests differently! Showing discipline, unity, good manners, and respect for their city; this is an expression of peaceful people power at its finest. Something that we could all learn from Chinese people when dealing with oppressive policies from those in power.

Scroll down to check out how Hong Kongers are successfully and respectfully standing up for a good cause, and let us know what you think about the Hong Kong protest in the comments!

Image credits: hoccgoomusic
#1

Hong Kong Students Studying For Their Finals While Protesting

Hong Kong Students Studying For Their Finals While Protesting

Exam time is coming up and while Hong Kongers need to fight for their collective autonomy, they also have to take care of their individual futures too. Combining their responsibilities to their city with their need to succeed at school, these students were able to show their support without interrupting their exam prep.

jacathinker Report

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Foxxy
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s dedication to their education and the cause of the protest.

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The fear among many Hong Kongers about the introduction of this extradition bill is that authorities will be able to target political challengers and critics, a further erosion of their freedoms. The conviction rates are extremely high in mainland China, with denial of representation, torture and arbitrary detention also common. If a pro-democracy campaigner can be taken to Beijing and swiftly disappeared without trial, where does that leave Hong Kongers in the fight for their future?

Supporters of the proposed law argue that it will protect Hong Kong from becoming a haven for criminals, out of the reach of Chinese authorities. State-owned newspaper state-owned China Daily said: “Any fair-minded person would deem the amendment bill a legitimate, sensible and reasonable piece of legislation that would strengthen Hong Kong’s rule of law and deliver justice.”

#2

Level Of Tidiness In Hong Kong After A Protest Of 1.3 Million People!

Level Of Tidiness In Hong Kong After A Protest Of 1.3 Million People!

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Rowlie
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

In comparison to my country it does look like a screenshot from a sci-fi movie

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#3

Hong Kong Protestors Giving Way To Ambulance Like Crossing The Red Sea

Hong Kong Protestors Giving Way To Ambulance Like Crossing The Red Sea

Rayman Cheuk / USP United Social Press Report

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Foxxy
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4 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s how it should be anywhere, by blocking the ambulance you could be a cause of someone death if they don’t get there in time.

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Hong Kong has been fighting a slow, methodical takeover by the Chinese government; according to the Guardian: "Hong Kong’s top political leader is not elected by ordinary voters but by a 1,200-strong election committee accountable to Beijing. Half of its legislature are chosen through indirect electoral systems that favour pro-Beijing figures."

Mainland China’s increasing political, economic and cultural influence in Hong Kong has caused a great deal of worry. Property prices are soaring as wealthy investors from the mainland move in while local press outlets have been increasingly brought under Beijing's control. The largely youthful protesters on the streets of Hong Kong are facing the might of one of the richest and strongest countries on Earth, but they are facing up to the challenge with courage, respect and integrity.

#4

Hong Kong Protestors Cleaning Up The Field After The Protest

Hong Kong Protestors Cleaning Up The Field After The Protest

A notable feature of the protests has been the eagerness of those who take part to clean up after themselves. Large scale protests like these can quickly turn into riots, with more extreme elements of society taking advantage of the chaos to loot, steal and vandalize property.
These protests seem to have largely avoided this phenomenon as they are essentially self-policing, a perfect example of people looking out for each other to protect the greater good. They love their city and show it the respect it deserves, unlike recent riots in Paris, London or Athens, just to name a few.

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#5

Protesters Shield Themselves With Umbrellas Against Pepper Spray Used By The Police Outside The Government Headquarters In Hong Kong

Protesters Shield Themselves With Umbrellas Against Pepper Spray Used By The Police Outside The Government Headquarters In Hong Kong

bint_elkhandaq Report

#6

Volunteers In Ponchos Marked With A Blue Cross, Wearing Surgical Masks And Goggles, Form A Human Wall To Protect The First Aid Area Right Outside Admiralty Station, Across The Street From The Hong Kong Central Government Offices

Volunteers In Ponchos Marked With A Blue Cross, Wearing Surgical Masks And Goggles, Form A Human Wall To Protect The First Aid Area Right Outside Admiralty Station, Across The Street From The Hong Kong Central Government Offices

maryhui Report

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Monday
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's kind of disgusting that they need to protect the first aid station. I get that the government will want to stop protests for various reasons....but leave medical stations alone. Good on these people for protecting it though.

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#7

We’re Hong Kong People, We’re Crazy People. There’re 2 Millions People Protesting But Still Very Disciplined

We’re Hong Kong People, We’re Crazy People. There’re 2 Millions People Protesting But Still Very Disciplined

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Ani Archeron
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is how you prove a point! Minimal violence, but still proving you care. I have enormous respect for every one of those people.

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#8

A Small Crowd Is Back Outside The Hong Kong Government Offices...to Clean Up The Rubbish. To Sort Out Recyclables And Unused Materials, And Clean Up The Rubbish. Incredible

A Small Crowd Is Back Outside The Hong Kong Government Offices...to Clean Up The Rubbish. To Sort Out Recyclables And Unused Materials, And Clean Up The Rubbish. Incredible

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#9

Impressive How Thoughtful And Organised These Protestors Are. Bottles Of Water Are Left Along Pavements And Other Strategic Areas So People Can Douse Themselves, And Put Out Teargas Grenades When Police Move In

Impressive How Thoughtful And Organised These Protestors Are. Bottles Of Water Are Left Along Pavements And Other Strategic Areas So People Can Douse Themselves, And Put Out Teargas Grenades When Police Move In

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#10

Notes Of Remembrance Cover A Sidewalk Outside Pacific Place, A Luxury Mall From Which A Protester Fell To His Death Yesterday Night

Notes Of Remembrance Cover A Sidewalk Outside Pacific Place, A Luxury Mall From Which A Protester Fell To His Death Yesterday Night

Social workers set up this station for people "to commemorate a martyr, to express their feelings and emotions."

maryhui Report

#11

Hong Kong Press Wears Helmets, Eye Masks And Reflective Vests To Express Discontent Towards Local Police's Actions

Hong Kong Press Wears Helmets, Eye Masks And Reflective Vests To Express Discontent Towards Local Police's Actions

MaTPheW_FunG Report

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Candy Monster
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Journalists wore protective gear in the press conference after a few incident of journalists being attacked by HK police. Here's one of the videos: https://observers.france24.com/en/20190614-hong-kong-protests-photographer-police-viral

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#12

Hong Kong Protesters Helping Journalist After Tear Gas Deployment

Hong Kong Protesters Helping Journalist After Tear Gas Deployment

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Falcon
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think this shows how the protesters are good people standing up for what they think is wrong rather than mindless rioters and looters that has been common in a lot of other countries.

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#13

These Hong Kong Protesters Run Around Putting Out Fires Instead Of Starting Them

These Hong Kong Protesters Run Around Putting Out Fires Instead Of Starting Them

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#14

At Times Square, Causeway Bay A Guide On How To Fold Origami Lilies For Those Who'd Like To Pay Tribute To The Protester Who Fell To His Death Saturday Night

At Times Square, Causeway Bay A Guide On How To Fold Origami Lilies For Those Who'd Like To Pay Tribute To The Protester Who Fell To His Death Saturday Night

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