Four years ago, millions in Hong Kong took to the streets to protest the influence of China. Now, signs abound that Beijing is tightening its control over the only part of its territory where elements of democracy have been tolerated.
That includes Derek Liu, 25, who says he was nervous even as he boarded his flight for Toronto last December.
He blames the Hong Kong government for the escalating violence, by ignoring the demands of millions of peaceful protesters throughout 2019 when they worried about China's growing influence.Regina Ip, a pro-Beijing lawmaker who sits on Hong Kong's Executive Council, its cabinet, blames the pro-democracy forces for the clashes with police, and praises Beijing for its "help," which includes the national security law.
Ip also doesn't expect Hong Kong to allow major protests ever again, since the police would be "extra careful" in case the events "turn into political violence." Chiu Loy spent eight months in jail after being charged with organizing an illegal assembly for his work on Hong Kong’s 2020 candlelight vigil to remember those killed during Beijing’s 1989 crackdown on Tiananmen Square protesters. He now runs a community help office.
"Even though I am afraid, I have this chance and I have to express my opinion," he said. Besides, he said, "the government cannot jail all the millions of people who disagree with government policy."
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