2019–2020 Hong Kong protests#Objectives

In Hong Kong, the name Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement or Anti-Extradition Bill Movement ({{lang-zh|t=反對逃犯條例修訂草案運動／反修例運動}}) is often used to refer to the protests as a whole, including demonstrations after the suspension of the bill.{{cite journal |last1=Cheng |first1=Edmund W. |last2=Yuen |first2=Samson |title=Hong Kong Anti-Extradition Movement (2019) |journal=The Wiley-Blackwell Encyclopedia of Social and Political Movements |date=10 June 2022 |pages=1–6 |doi=10.1002/9780470674871.wbespm692 |isbn=9781405197731 |quotation=The Anti-extradition Law Amendment Bill movement, in short the Anti-extradition movement, was a mass mobilization that erupted in Hong Kong between February 2019 and January 2020.|doi-access=free }}{{cite news |title=【反修例風暴透視】暫緩不撤回 示威衝衝衝 威信不復回 警民打打打 |url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%e8%a6%81%e8%81%9e/article/20190723/s00001/1563820651510/%e3%80%90%e5%8f%8d%e4%bf%ae%e4%be%8b%e9%a2%a8%e6%9a%b4%e9%80%8f%e8%a6%96%e3%80%91%e6%9a%ab%e7%b7%a9%e4%b8%8d%e6%92%a4%e5%9b%9e-%e7%a4%ba%e5%a8%81%e8%a1%9d%e8%a1%9d%e8%a1%9d-%e5%a8%81%e4%bf%a1%e4%b8%8d%e5%be%a9%e5%9b%9e-%e8%ad%a6%e6%b0%91%e6%89%93%e6%89%93%e6%89%93 |work=Ming Pao |date=5 November 2019 |language=zh-hant |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2020-08-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811012126/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E/article/20190723/s00001/1563820651510/%E3%80%90%E5%8F%8D%E4%BF%AE%E4%BE%8B%E9%A2%A8%E6%9A%B4%E9%80%8F%E8%A6%96%E3%80%91%E6%9A%AB%E7%B7%A9%E4%B8%8D%E6%92%A4%E5%9B%9E-%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81%E8%A1%9D%E8%A1%9D%E8%A1%9D-%E5%A8%81%E4%BF%A1%E4%B8%8D%E5%BE%A9%E5%9B%9E-%E8%AD%A6%E6%B0%91%E6%89%93%E6%89%93%E6%89%93 |url-status=live }} The name 2019 Hong Kong protests is sometimes used as there is no generally agreed upon end date to the protests.{{Cite web|title=10,250 arrests and 2,500 prosecutions linked to 2019 Hong Kong protests, as security chief hails dip in crime rate|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/05/17/10250-arrests-and-2500-prosecutions-since-2019-hong-kong-protests-as-security-chief-hails-fall-in-crime-rate/|date=17 May 2021|work=HKFP|language=en|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134229/https://hongkongfp.com/2021/05/17/10250-arrests-and-2500-prosecutions-since-2019-hong-kong-protests-as-security-chief-hails-fall-in-crime-rate/|url-status=live}}

On 27 October 2019, Politico editor-in-chief Jamil Anderlini published an article in the Financial Times titled "Hong Kong's 'water revolution' spins out of control".{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/d1f60a3a-cd58-11e9-b018-ca4456540ea6|title=Hong Kong's 'water revolution' spins out of control|first=Jamil|last=Anderlini |work=Financial Times |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=27 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012143445/https://www.ft.com/content/d1f60a3a-cd58-11e9-b018-ca4456540ea6 |archive-date=12 October 2019|url-status=live}} A reference to martial artist Bruce Lee's fighting advice to "be [like] water", the name Water Revolution subsequently gained popularity among protesters.{{cite news |last1=Wong |first1=Wilson |title=The Water Movement represents the best of times for Hong Kong |url=https://theasiadialogue.com/2019/09/27/the-water-movement-represents-the-best-of-times-for-hong-kong/ |access-date=9 March 2023 |work=Asia Dialogue |date=27 September 2019 |quotation=The name 'Water Revolution' for the Anti-Extradition Bill protest[s] in Hong Kong was first coined by the Financial Times. |archive-date=2023-11-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231128120330/https://theasiadialogue.com/2019/09/27/the-water-movement-represents-the-best-of-times-for-hong-kong/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite web|title=2019–20 Hong Kong protests: Storytelling through the best and worst times|url=https://theeyeopener.com/2020/10/2019-20-hong-kong-protests-storytelling-through-the-best-and-worst-times/|first=Heidi|last=Lee|date=19 October 2020|work=the Eyeopener|access-date=29 April 2024|archive-date=2023-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230528224608/https://theeyeopener.com/2020/10/2019-20-hong-kong-protests-storytelling-through-the-best-and-worst-times/|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Causes of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

{{See also|United front in Hong Kong}}

The Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 was first proposed by the government of Hong Kong in February 2019 in response to the 2018 murder of Poon Hiu-wing by her boyfriend Chan Tong-kai in Taiwan, which the two Hongkongers were visiting as tourists. As there is no extradition treaty with Taiwan (because the government of China does not recognise Taiwan's sovereignty), the Hong Kong government proposed an amendment to the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance ({{cite Hong Kong ordinance|503}}) and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance ({{cite Hong Kong ordinance|525}}) to establish a mechanism for case-by-case transfers of fugitives, on the order of the chief executive, to any jurisdiction with which the territory lacks a formal extradition treaty.{{cite news|last=Leung|first=Christy|date=1 April 2019|title=Extradition bill not made to measure for mainland China and won't be abandoned, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3004067/extradition-bill-not-made-measure-mainland-china-and-wont|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=20 June 2019|archive-date=2020-11-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108071236/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3004067/extradition-bill-not-made-measure-mainland-china-and-wont|url-status=live}}

The inclusion of mainland China in the amendment was of concern to Hong Kong society; citizens, academics and the legal profession fear the removal of the separation of the region's jurisdiction from the legal system administered by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) would erode the "one country, two systems" principle in practice since the 1997 handover; furthermore, Hong Kong citizens lack confidence in China's judiciary system and human rights protection due to its history of suppressing political dissent.{{cite web|url=https://theconversation.com/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-118753|title=Mass protests protect Hong Kong's legal autonomy from China – for now|first=Kelly|last=Chernin|work=The Conversation|date=18 June 2019|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=2020-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107223813/http://theconversation.com/mass-protests-protect-hong-kongs-legal-autonomy-from-china-for-now-118753|url-status=live}} Opponents of the bill urged the Hong Kong government to explore other mechanisms, such as an extradition arrangement solely with Taiwan, and to sunset the arrangement immediately after the surrender of the suspect.{{cite news|first1=Jeffie|last1=Lam|first2=Tony|last2=Cheung|date=16 April 2019|title=Hong Kong's pro-democracy lawmakers seek last-minute adjustment to extradition bill to ensure Taiwan murder suspect faces justice|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3006463/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-lawmakers-seek-last-minute|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=20 June 2019|archive-date=2021-01-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106232439/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3006463/hong-kongs-pro-democracy-lawmakers-seek-last-minute|url-status=live}}

After the failure of the Umbrella Revolution in 2014{{cite news|last=Cheung|first=Helier|date=17 June 2019|title=Hong Kong extradition: How radical youth forced the government's hand|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48655474|url-status=live|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617102656/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48655474|archive-date=17 June 2019}} and the 2017 imprisonment of Hong Kong democracy activists,{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5661211/hong-kong-protests-79-days/|title=Then and Now: 79 Days of Protest in Hong Kong|first=Hillary|last=Leung|magazine=Time|date=27 August 2019|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=2020-11-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201127173822/https://time.com/5661211/hong-kong-protests-79-days/|url-status=live}} citizens began to fear the loss of the "high degree of autonomy" as provided for in the Hong Kong Basic Law, as the government of the People's Republic of China appeared to be increasingly and overtly interfering with Hong Kong's affairs. Notably, the NPCSC saw fit to rule on the disqualification of six lawmakers; fears over state-sanctioned rendition and extrajudicial detention were sparked by the Causeway Bay Books disappearances.{{cite news |last=Cheung |first=Helier |date=4 September 2019 |title=Why are there protests in Hong Kong? All the context you need |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48607723 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190908090424/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48607723 |archive-date=8 September 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019 |work=BBC News}} Xi Jinping's accession to General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, the top position of paramount leader in 2012 marked a more hardline authoritarian approach, most notably with the construction of Xinjiang internment camps. The spectre that Hong Kong may similarly be brought to heel became an important element in the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/how-hong-kong-caught-fire-radical-uprising-protest-china|title=How Hong Kong caught fire: the story of a radical uprising|first1=Tania|last1=Branigan|first2=Lily|last2=Kuo|work=The Guardian|date=9 June 2020|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=2021-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128022151/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/09/how-hong-kong-caught-fire-radical-uprising-protest-china|url-status=live}}

Anti-mainland sentiment had begun to swell in the 2010s. The daily quota of 150 immigrants from China since 1997, and the massive flows of mainland visitors strained Hong Kong's public services and eroded local culture; mainlanders' perceived arrogance drew the scorn of Hongkongers. The rise of localism and the pro-independence movement after the Umbrella Revolution was marked by the high-profile campaign for the 2016 New Territories East by-election by activist Edward Leung.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021518/liberate-hong-kong-revolution-our-times-who-came-protest|title='Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times': Who came up with this protest chant and why is the government worried?|first=Jeffie|last=Lam|website=South China Morning Post|date=6 August 2019|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=2019-09-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909003810/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021518/liberate-hong-kong-revolution-our-times-who-came-protest|url-status=live}} Fewer and fewer young people in Hong Kong identified themselves as Chinese nationals, as found by pollsters at the University of Hong Kong. The younger respondents were, the more distrustful they were of the Chinese government. Scandals and corruption in China shook people's confidence of the country's political systems; the Moral and National Education controversy in 2012, the Express Rail Link project connecting Hong Kong with mainland cities and the subsequent co-location agreement proved highly controversial. Citizens saw these policies as Beijing's decision to strengthen its hold over Hong Kong. By 2019, almost no Hong Kong youth identified only as Chinese.{{cite news |title=Almost nobody in Hong Kong under 30 identifies as "Chinese" |url=https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/08/26/almost-nobody-in-hong-kong-under-30-identifies-as-chinese |newspaper=The Economist |date=26 August 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-11-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191122172903/https://www.economist.com/graphic-detail/2019/08/26/almost-nobody-in-hong-kong-under-30-identifies-as-chinese |url-status=live }}

The Umbrella Revolution provided inspiration and brought about a political awakening to some,{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-29423147|title=Things that could only happen in a Hong Kong protest|first=Samanthi|last=Dissanayake|publisher=BBC|date=30 September 2014|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=2024-05-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505203259/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-29423147|url-status=live}} but its failure and the subsequent split within the pro-democratic bloc prompted a re-evaluation of strategy and tactics. In the years that followed, a general consensus emerged that peaceful protests were ineffective in advancing democratic development, and became an example of what not to do in further protests. Media noted that protests in 2019 were driven by a sense of desperation rather than the optimism of 2014.{{cite web |url=https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/02/the-guardian-view-on-hong-kong-protests-the-mood-hardens |title=The Guardian view on Hong Kong's protests: the mood hardens |work=The Guardian |date=2 July 2019 |access-date=23 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723072148/https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jul/02/the-guardian-view-on-hong-kong-protests-the-mood-hardens |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/02/asia/hong-kong-protests-anger-intl/index.html|title=Hong Kong's democracy movement was about hope. These protests are driven by desperation|first=James|last=Griffiths|date=22 July 2019|access-date=23 July 2019|publisher=CNN|archive-date=2019-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722165035/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/02/asia/hong-kong-protests-anger-intl/index.html|url-status=live}} The aims of the protests had evolved from withdrawing the bill, solidifying around achieving the level of freedom and liberties promised.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/longform/hong-kong-photographs-summer-protests/|title=Arrests, Tear Gas and Uncertainty: Scenes From Hong Kong's Summer of Unrest|first=Adam|last=Ferguson|magazine=Time|date=15 August 2019|access-date=8 September 2019|archive-date=2019-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822020500/https://time.com/longform/hong-kong-photographs-summer-protests/|url-status=live}}

Initially, protesters demanded only the withdrawal of the extradition bill. Following an escalation in the severity of policing tactics on 12 June 2019, the protesters' objective was to achieve the following five demands (under the slogan "Five demands, not one less"):{{cite news |title=World leaders urged to address Hong Kong issue ahead of G20 |url=http://focustaiwan.tw/news/acs/201906270014.aspx |date=27 June 2019 |first=Stacy |last=Hsu |journal=Focus Taiwan |access-date=2019-07-24 |archive-date=2021-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323044757/https://focustaiwan.tw/cross-strait/201906270014 |url-status=dead }}

• Complete withdrawal of the extradition bill from the legislative process: Although the chief executive announced an indefinite suspension of the bill on 15 June, its status of "pending resumption of second reading" in the Legislative Council meant that its reading could have been resumed quickly. It was formally withdrawn on 23 October 2019.{{cite news |last1=Pang |first1=Jessie |last2=Siu |first2=Twinnie |title=Hong Kong extradition bill officially killed, but more unrest likely |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-extradition-bill-officially-killed-but-move-unlikely-to-end-unrest-idUSKBN1X20OF |date=23 October 2019 |access-date=24 October 2019 |work=Reuters |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023113157/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-extradition-bill-officially-killed-but-move-unlikely-to-end-unrest-idUSKBN1X20OF |archive-date=23 October 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3034263/hong-kong-government-officially-withdraws-extradition-bill|title=Hong Kong's 'dead' extradition bill finally buried as government formally withdraws it|first1=Alvin|last1=Lum|first2=Kimmy|last2=Chung|first3=Jeffie|last3=Lam|date=23 October 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=23 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191023112817/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3034263/hong-kong-government-officially-withdraws-extradition-bill|url-status=live}}
• Retraction of the "riot" characterisation for protests: The government originally characterised the 12 June protest as "riots", which the crime carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, and later said there were "some" rioters except for five individuals in Admiralty on 12 June.{{cite news|last1=Ng|first1=Kang-chung|last2=Sum|first2=Lok-kei|title=Police roll back on categorisation of Hong Kong protests as a riot|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3014914/police-back-down-categorisation-hong-kong-protests |archive-date=17 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617133614/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3014914/police-back-down-categorisation-hong-kong-protests |work=South China Morning Post|date=17 June 2019 |access-date=17 June 2019|url-access=subscription}}
• Release and exoneration of arrested protesters: Protesters considered their lawbreaking acts to be mostly motivated by a politically righteous cause; they also questioned the legitimacy of police arresting protesters at hospitals through access to their confidential medical data in breach of patient privacy.
• Establishment of an independent commission of inquiry into police conduct and use of force during the protests: Civic groups felt that the level of violence used by the police against protesters and bystanders, arbitrary stop-and-search,{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/search-06112019114440.html|title=Police in Central Hong Kong Stop, Search Subway Passengers Ahead of Vote|website=Radio Free Asia|access-date=30 June 2019|archive-date=2021-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210323044742/https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/search-06112019114440.html|url-status=live}} and officers' failure to observe Police General Orders pointed to a breakdown of accountability.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/11/19/hong-kong-police-played-pivotal-role-in-radicalising-protests-in-build-up-to-poly-u-seige-policing-expert-report-says/|title=Hong Kong police played pivotal role in radicalising protests in build-up to Poly-U siege, policing expert report says|first=Rhoda|last=Kwan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=19 November 2020|access-date=1 December 2020}}{{Cite news |url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/便衣警拍攝示威者-拒展示委任證-警員反問記者-憑乜嘢/ |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:便衣警拍攝示威者 拒展示委任證 警員反問記者：憑乜嘢 |website=Stand News |location=Hong Kong |date=27 June 2019 |access-date=30 June 2019 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229133320/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E4%BE%BF%E8%A1%A3%E8%AD%A6%E6%8B%8D%E6%94%9D%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81%E8%80%85-%E6%8B%92%E5%B1%95%E7%A4%BA%E5%A7%94%E4%BB%BB%E8%AD%89-%E8%AD%A6%E5%93%A1%E5%8F%8D%E5%95%8F%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85-%E6%86%91%E4%B9%9C%E5%98%A2 |url-status=dead }} The absence of independence of the existing watchdog, the Independent Police Complaints Council, was also an issue.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3030211/disband-hong-kongs-police-force-online-poll-shows-most|title=Disband Hong Kong's police force? Online poll shows most in favour of move|first=Kang-chung|last=Ng|website=South China Morning Post|date=25 September 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|archive-date=2019-10-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191014154039/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3030211/disband-hong-kongs-police-force-online-poll-shows-most|url-status=live}}
• Resignation of Carrie Lam and the implementation of universal suffrage for Legislative Council elections and for the election of the chief executive:{{cite news|last=Qin|first=Amy|title=Hong Kong Protesters Are Fueled by a Broader Demand: More Democracy|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/08/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-democracy.html |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331 |access-date=25 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190708131420/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/08/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-democracy.html |archive-date=8 July 2019|url-status=live |date=8 July 2019}} The chief executive is selected in a small-circle election, and 30 of the 70 legislative council seats are filled by representatives of institutionalised interest groups, forming the majority of the so-called functional constituencies, most of which have few electors.

{{For timeline}}

File:Harcourt Road tear smoke view1 20190612.jpg to disperse protesters gathering outside the Legislative Council Complex on 12 June 2019.]]

After several protests in March and April 2019,{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/idUSKCN1TW14F/|title=Timeline: Key dates for Hong Kong extradition bill and protests|work=Reuters|date=1 July 2019|access-date=25 April 2024}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/03/31/pictures-12000-hongkongers-march-protest-evil-china-extradition-law-organisers-say/|title=In Pictures: 12,000 Hongkongers march in protest against 'evil' China extradition law, organisers say|last=Chan|first=Holmes|date=31 March 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=10 June 2019|archive-date=2019-03-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190331111128/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/03/31/pictures-12000-hongkongers-march-protest-evil-china-extradition-law-organisers-say/|url-status=live}} the anti-extradition issue attracted more attention when pro-democratic lawmakers in the Legislative Council launched a filibuster campaign against the bill. In response, the Secretary of Security John Lee announced that the government would resume second reading of the bill in full council on 12 June 2019, bypassing the Bills Committee.{{cite news|title=Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam defends Beijing's involvement in extradition bill row, pointing out foreign powers 'escalated' controversy|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3011104/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-defends-beijings-involvement|last=Sum|first=Lok-kei|date=21 May 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=13 June 2020|archive-date=2019-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190521063420/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3011104/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-defends-beijings-involvement|url-status=live}} With the possibility of a second reading of the bill, the Civil Human Rights Front (CHRF) launched their third protest march on 9 June. While police estimated attendance at the march on Hong Kong Island at 270,000, the organisers claimed that 1.03 million people had attended the rally, a number unprecedently high for the city.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5603754/hong-kong-carrie-lam-china-extradition-bill-more-protests/|title=Hong Kong's Leader Says Extradition Bill to Go Ahead Prompting Calls for Fresh Protests|first1=Amy|last1=Gunia|first2=Hillary|last2=Leung|magazine=Time|date=10 June 2019|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-06-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620092132/https://time.com/5603754/hong-kong-carrie-lam-china-extradition-bill-more-protests/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/hongkong-protests-extradition-narrative/|title=How murder, kidnappings and miscalculation set off Hong Kong's revolt – A REUTERS SPECIAL REPORT|first1=David|last1=Lague|first2=James|last2=Pomfret|first3=Greg|last3=Torode|date=20 December 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=21 December 2019|archive-date=2020-01-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200119123330/https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/hongkong-protests-extradition-narrative/|url-status=live}} Carrie Lam insisted second reading and debate over the bill be resumed on 12 June.{{cite news|url=https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201906/09/P2019060900587.htm?fontSize=1|title=Government response to procession|date=9 June 2019|work=The Hong Kong Government|access-date=2019-06-10 |archive-date=2019-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610000900/https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201906/09/P2019060900587.htm?fontSize=1|url-status=live}} Protesters successfully stopped the LegCo from resuming second reading of the bill by surrounding the LegCo Complex.{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014104/thousands-block-roads-downtown-hong-kong-defiant-protest |title=As it happened: Hong Kong police and extradition protesters renew clashes as tear gas flies |website=South China Morning Post |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=18 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012170037/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014104/thousands-block-roads-downtown-hong-kong-defiant-protest |url-status=live }} Police Commissioner Stephen Lo declared the clashes a "riot" but on 17 June said that he had merely meant protesters who had displayed violent behaviour. Police were criticised for using excessive force at the clashes, such as firing tear gas at protesters at an approved rally.{{Citation |last1=Lomas |first1=Claire |title=Hong Kong protests: Police accused of shooting at journalists amid demonstration over China extradition bill |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-video-police-journalists-china-extradition-bill-a8957471.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190614142255/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-video-police-journalists-china-extradition-bill-a8957471.html |archive-date=14 June 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |access-date=16 July 2019 |work=The Independent |date=13 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa17/0576/2019/en/|title=How not to police a protest: Unlawful use of force by Hong Kong Police|date=21 June 2019|publisher=Amnesty International|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-06-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621085613/https://www.amnesty.org/en/documents/asa17/0576/2019/en/|url-status=live}} Following the clashes, protesters began calling for an independent inquiry into police brutality; they also urged the government to retract the "riot" characterisation.

File:Man protesting Hong Kong's extradition law in Pacific Place 20190615.png on scaffolding at Pacific Place before he fell to his death on 15 June]]

On 15 June, Carrie Lam announced the bill's suspension but did not fully withdraw it.{{cite news|title=Hong Kong protest organisers vow to press ahead with Sunday march and strike action despite government backing down on extradition bill|first1=Kanis|last1=Leung|first2=Xinqi|last2=Su|first3=Lok-kei|last3=Sum|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014643/hong-kong-protest-organisers-vow-press-ahead-sunday-march|date=15 June 2019|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-06-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615080616/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014643/hong-kong-protest-organisers-vow-press-ahead-sunday-march|url-status=live}} The same day, Marco Leung Ling-kit, a 35-year-old man, fell to his death after slipping on scaffolding and plunging 17 metres to his death whilst protesting Lam's decision and claims of police brutality.{{Cite web|title=Man protesting Hong Kong's extradition law dies after falling from mall in Admiralty|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/06/15/man-protesting-hong-kongs-extradition-law-unconscious-jumping-mall-admiralty/|first=Tom|last=Grundy|date=15 June 2019|access-date=2 June 2021|work=Hong Kong Free Press|language=en-GB|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134304/https://hongkongfp.com/2019/06/15/man-protesting-hong-kongs-extradition-law-unconscious-jumping-mall-admiralty/|url-status=live}} Ruled by an inquest jury in May 2021 as "death by misadventure",{{Cite web|last=Wang|first=Wallis|date=26 May 2021|title=Misadventure verdict on Pacific Place protester who plunged to his death|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/11/230585/Misadventure-verdict-on-Pacific-Place-protester-who-plunged-to-his-death|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210602214800/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/11/230585/Misadventure-verdict-on-Pacific-Place-protester-who-plunged-to-his-death|archive-date=2 June 2021|url-status=live|access-date=2 June 2021|website=The Standard}} this accident formed a rallying point for the movement and his anti-extradition slogans later became the foundations for the "five demands" of the protests, and his yellow raincoat became one of the symbols of the protests.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/06/25/explainer-from-five-demands-to-black-cops-to-independence-the-evolution-of-hong-kongs-protest-slogans/|title=Explainer: From 'five demands' to 'independence' – the evolution of Hong Kong's protest slogans|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=25 June 2020|access-date=7 October 2020}} A protest on the following day had almost 2 million people participating according to an CHRF estimate, while the police estimated that there were 338,000 demonstrators at its peak.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014695/sea-black-hong-kong-will-march-against-suspended|title=As it happened: A historic day in Hong Kong concludes peacefully as organisers claim almost 2 million people came out in protest against the fugitive bill|date=16 June 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=5 June 2021|archive-date=2019-08-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812040457/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014695/sea-black-hong-kong-will-march-against-suspended|url-status=live}} While Lam offered a personal apology on 18 June,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jun/18/hong-kong-carrie-lam-to-apologise-to-protesters-extradition-bill|title=Hong Kong protesters unimpressed by Lam's 'sincere' apology|first1=Emma|last1=Graham-Harrison|first2=Verna|last2=Yu|work=The Guardian|date=18 June 2019|access-date=5 June 2021}} she dismissed calls for her resignation.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014669/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-backs-down-over-extradition|title=Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam suspends extradition bill, but won't apologise for rift it caused or withdraw it altogether|first=Tony|last=Cheung|website=South China Morning Post|date=15 June 2019|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=2019-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807004535/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3014669/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-backs-down-over-extradition|url-status=live}}

File:示威者於立法會會議廳展示標語, Jul 2019.jpg on 1 July 2019.]]

The CHRF claimed a record turnout of 550,000 for their annual march on 1 July 2019, while police estimated around 190,000 at the peak;{{cite web |url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190701/59774211 |script-title=zh:【7.1遊行】歷來最多！55萬人上街促查6.12警暴 起步6小時龍尾先到金鐘 |website=Apple Daily |access-date=1 July 2019 |language=zh-hk |archive-date=2019-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701020758/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190701/59774211 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/01/breaking-organisers-say-550000-attend-annual-july-1-democracy-march-amid-clashes-rear-legislature/ |title=Organisers say 550,000 attend annual July 1 democracy march as protesters occupy legislature |date=1 July 2019 |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=2 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701135333/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/01/breaking-organisers-say-550000-attend-annual-july-1-democracy-march-amid-clashes-rear-legislature/ |url-status=live }} an independent polling organisation estimated attendance at 260,000.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/hongkong-extradition-crowdsize-idUSL4N24426Y|title=CORRECTED-Mass movement: counting marchers in Hong Kong|date=5 July 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406085912/https://www.reuters.com/article/hongkong-extradition-crowdsize-idUSL4N24426Y|url-status=live}} The protest was largely peaceful. At night, partly angered by several more suicides since 15 June 2019, some radical protesters stormed into the Legislative Council; police took little action to stop them. These suicides were mostly not substantiated.{{Cite news|title=Hong Kong protesters smash up legislature in direct challenge to China|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition/hong-kong-protesters-smash-up-legislature-in-direct-challenge-to-china-idUSKCN1TV0YE |access-date=1 July 2019|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701141751/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition/hong-kong-protesters-smash-up-legislature-in-direct-challenge-to-china-idUSKCN1TV0YE |archive-date=1 July 2019 |date=1 July 2019|url-status=live|first1=John|last1=Ruwitch|first2=Jessie|last2=Pang}}{{cite web |last1=Cheung |first1=Eric |title=New manifesto of Hong Kong protesters released |url=https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/hong-kong-july-1-protests-intl-hnk/h_cc86e6e2cbbfd32446e41356400ac566 |publisher=CNN |access-date=4 July 2019 |date=1 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190704014428/https://edition.cnn.com/asia/live-news/hong-kong-july-1-protests-intl-hnk/h_cc86e6e2cbbfd32446e41356400ac566 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-hong-kong-protests-violence-martyrdom-20190702-story.html|title=Crackdown, arrests loom over Hong Kong as martyrdom becomes part of protest narratives|date=2 July 2019|last=Su|first=Alice|website=Los Angeles Times|access-date=4 July 2019|archive-date=2019-07-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703194026/https://www.latimes.com/world/asia/la-fg-hong-kong-protests-violence-martyrdom-20190702-story.html|url-status=live}}

After 1 July 2019, protests spread to different neighbourhoods in Hong Kong.{{cite web |url=http://std.stheadline.com/instant/articles/detail/1038967/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E9%80%83%E7%8A%AF%E6%A2%9D%E4%BE%8B-%E5%85%A8%E6%B8%AF%E5%90%84%E5%8D%80%E6%8E%A5%E5%8A%9B%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81-%E9%81%8D%E5%9C%B0%E9%96%8B%E8%8A%B1 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【逃犯條例】全港各區接力示威 遍地開花 |work=Sing Tao Daily |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-date=2019-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012085147/http://std.stheadline.com/instant/articles/detail/1038967/%E5%8D%B3%E6%99%82-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-%E9%80%83%E7%8A%AF%E6%A2%9D%E4%BE%8B-%E5%85%A8%E6%B8%AF%E5%90%84%E5%8D%80%E6%8E%A5%E5%8A%9B%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81-%E9%81%8D%E5%9C%B0%E9%96%8B%E8%8A%B1 |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/05/hong-kong-extradition-bill-battle-continues-protests-planned-weekend/|title=Hong Kong extradition bill battle continues with more protests planned for the weekend|last=Cheng|first=Kris|date=5 July 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=7 July 2019|archive-date=2019-07-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190705051922/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/05/hong-kong-extradition-bill-battle-continues-protests-planned-weekend/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/13/reclaim-sheung-shui-thousands-hongkongers-protest-influx-parallel-traders-china/|title='Reclaim Sheung Shui': Thousands of Hongkongers protest influx of parallel traders from China|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=13 July 2019|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=2019-07-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190713100234/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/13/reclaim-sheung-shui-thousands-hongkongers-protest-influx-parallel-traders-china/|url-status=live}} CHRF held another anti-extradition protest on 21 July on Hong Kong Island. Instead of dispersing, protesters headed for the Liaison Office in Sai Ying Pun, where they defaced the Chinese national emblem.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/breaking-hong-kong-chief-carrie-lam-condemns-protesters-defacing-national-emblem-says-yuen-long-attacks-shocking/|title=Hong Kong chief Carrie Lam condemns protesters defacing national emblem; says Yuen Long attacks 'shocking'|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=22 July 2019|access-date=18 August 2019|archive-date=2019-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722073936/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/breaking-hong-kong-chief-carrie-lam-condemns-protesters-defacing-national-emblem-says-yuen-long-attacks-shocking/|url-status=live}} While a standoff between the protesters and the police occurred on Hong Kong Island,{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1469580-20190721.htm|title=Tear gas fails to clear Sheung Wan protesters |date=21 July 2019 |access-date=18 August 2019 |work=RTHK |archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721153222/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1469580-20190721.htm|url-status=live}} groups of white-clad individuals, suspected to be triad members,{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=Holmes |title='Servants of triads': Hong Kong democrats claim police condoned mob attacks in Yuen Long |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/servants-triads-hong-kong-democrats-claim-police-condoned-mob-attacks-yuen-long/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722090927/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/servants-triads-hong-kong-democrats-claim-police-condoned-mob-attacks-yuen-long/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kuo |first1=Lily |title=Hong Kong: why thugs may be doing the government's work |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/22/why-hong-kong-thugs-may-be-doing-the-governments-work |work=The Guardian |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=2019-07-31 |archive-date=2019-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190730012420/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/22/why-hong-kong-thugs-may-be-doing-the-governments-work |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine |title=Suspected 'Triad' gangs mark dangerous new phase in Hong Kong's crisis |url=https://time.com/5631502/hong-kong-protests-triads-yuen-long/ |first=Laignee |last=Barron |magazine=Time |date=23 July 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2021-01-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124004251/https://time.com/5631502/hong-kong-protests-triads-yuen-long/ |url-status=live }} appeared and indiscriminately attacked people inside Yuen Long station.{{cite web |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=131702&sid=4 |title=Junius Ho accused of supporting Yuen Long mob |work=The Standard |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=18 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191012085131/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=131702&sid=4 |url-status=live }} Police were absent during the attacks, and the local police stations were shuttered, leading to suspicion that the attack was coordinated with police. The attack was often seen as the turning point for the movement, as it crippled people's confidence in the police and turned a lot of citizens who were politically neutral or apathetic against the police.{{cite journal |last1=Purbrick |first1=Martin |date=14 October 2019 |title=A Report of the 2019 Hong Kong Protests|journal= Asian Affairs|volume= 50|issue=4 |pages= 465–487 |doi=10.1080/03068374.2019.1672397 |doi-access=free}}

File:20190807 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protest (48480850197).jpg, mocking an earlier police demonstration that aimed to illustrate the danger of laser pointers, which was seized from an arrested student-union president{{cite news |last1=Sum |first1=Lok-kei |last2=Lo |first2=Clifford |last3=Leung |first3=Kanis |title=Protesters shine light on arrest of Hong Kong student with new kind of laser rally |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3021875/hong-kong-protesters-shine-light-arrest-baptist |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=8 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807204925/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3021875/hong-kong-protesters-shine-light-arrest-baptist |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |title=Angry protests and tear gas in Sham Shui Po after arrest of Hong Kong student leader for possessing laser pens |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/07/angry-protests-tear-gas-sham-shui-po-arrest-hong-kong-student-leader-possessing-laser-pens/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=7 August 2019 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190808204530/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/07/angry-protests-tear-gas-sham-shui-po-arrest-hong-kong-student-leader-possessing-laser-pens/ |archive-date=8 August 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=7 August 2019 }}]]

A call for a general strike on 5 August was answered by about 350,000 people according to the Confederation of Trade Unions;{{cite news|title=Another general strike possible, says organiser|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1472997-20190806.htm |work=RTHK |access-date=6 August 2019 |archive-date=6 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806052447/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1472997-20190806.htm |date=6 August 2019|url-status=live}} over 200 flights had to be cancelled.{{cite news |last1=Lee |first1=Danny |title=Hundreds of flights cancelled leaving travellers facing chaos as citywide strike action hits Hong Kong International Airport |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021412/hundreds-flights-cancelled-leaving-travellers-facing-chaos |work=South China Morning Post |access-date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805030442/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021412/hundreds-flights-cancelled-leaving-travellers-facing-chaos |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Hui |first1=Mary |title=Photos: Hong Kong protesters paralyzed the city's transport |url=https://qz.com/1681247/hong-kong-protesters-paralyzed-the-citys-transport-on-strike-day/ |website=Quartz |date=5 August 2019 |access-date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805070558/https://qz.com/1681247/hong-kong-protesters-paralyzed-the-citys-transport-on-strike-day/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |title=Calls for general strike and 7 rallies across Hong Kong on Monday, as protests escalate |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/02/calls-general-strike-7-rallies-across-hong-kong-monday-protests-escalate/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802105820/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/02/calls-general-strike-7-rallies-across-hong-kong-monday-protests-escalate/ |url-status=live }} Various incidents involving alleged police brutality on 11 August prompted protesters to stage a three-day sit-in at Hong Kong International Airport from 12 to 14 August, forcing the Airport Authority to cancel numerous flights.{{cite news|title=HK airport shuts down as protesters take over|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1474188-20190812.htm |access-date=12 August 2019|agency=RTHK |archive-date=12 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190812101725/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1474188-20190812.htm|url-status=live |date=12 August 2019}}{{cite web |title=Hong Kong Protesters Take Hostage During Violent Clashes at Airport. A mainland Chinese man was beaten and cuffed by a group of masked protesters. |url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/hong-kong-airport-protests-videos_uk_5d52e26fe4b0c63bcbee09d5 |access-date=14 August 2019 |date=13 August 2019 |work=HuffPost |archive-date=2020-01-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200122041814/https://consent.yahoo.com/collectConsent?sessionId=2_cc-session_a5c3b8eb-0e7b-4fe9-94dc-62e8d940edfa&lang=en-gb&inline=false |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/13/hong-kong-protest-airport-closed-second-day-bad-business/1996574001/ |title=Hong Kong's business reputation takes hit with second day of airport chaos |work=USA Today |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2019-08-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822011402/https://www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/08/13/hong-kong-protest-airport-closed-second-day-bad-business/1996574001/ |url-status=live }} On 23 August, an estimated 210,000 people participated in the "Hong Kong Way" campaign to draw attention to the movement's five demands. The chain extended across the top of Lion Rock.{{cite news|last1=Rasmi|first1=Adam|last2=Hui|first2=Mary|title=Thirty years on, Hong Kong is emulating a human chain that broke Soviet rule|url=https://qz.com/1693865/hong-kong-emulates-a-human-chain-that-broke-soviet-rule/|work=Quartz|access-date=23 August 2019|archive-date=2019-08-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823195545/https://qz.com/1693865/hong-kong-emulates-a-human-chain-that-broke-soviet-rule/|url-status=live}} On 25 August, six police officers raised their guns and one fired a warning shot into the air when attacked by rioters with sticks, the first use of live ammunition during the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/25/world/asia/hong-kong-protests.html|title=Hong Kong officer fires shot, and police use water cannons at protest|first1=Austin|last1=Ramzy|first2=Raymond|last2=Zhong|work=New York Times|date=25 August 2019|access-date=29 April 2024|archive-date=2019-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901134257/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/25/world/asia/hong-kong-protests.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/world/2019/8/25/20832161/hong-kong-protests-police-gunshot-water-cannons-12th-week-extradition-bill|title=Police deploy water cannons and live ammunition at the latest Hong Kong protests|first=Anya|last=van Wagtendonk|work=Vox|date=25 August 2019|access-date=29 April 2024|archive-date=2024-05-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240520141614/https://www.vox.com/world/2019/8/25/20832161/hong-kong-protests-police-gunshot-water-cannons-12th-week-extradition-bill|url-status=live}}

Ignoring a police ban, thousands of protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Island on 31 August following the arrests of high-profile pro-democracy activists and lawmakers the previous day.{{cite news|last=Lew|first=Linda|date=30 August 2019|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3025020/police-ban-mass-hong-kong-protest-planned-civil-human|title=Police ban of mass Hong Kong protest planned by Civil Human Rights Front upheld on appeal|work=South China Morning Post|access-date=1 September 2019|archive-date=2019-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901014146/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3025020/police-ban-mass-hong-kong-protest-planned-civil-human|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/31/world/asia/hong-kong-protest.html|title=In Hong Kong, Protests Resume After Wave of Arrests |access-date=31 August 2019 |work=The New York Times|date=31 August 2019 |issn=0362-4331|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831041007/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/31/world/asia/hong-kong-protest.html |archive-date=31 August 2019|url-status=live|last1=Ives |first1=Mike |last2=Ramzy |first2=Austin }}{{cite news |last1=Mahtani |first1=Shibani |first2=Timothy |last2=McLaughlin |title=Hong Kong protesters take to streets in defiance of arrests, ban on rally |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/hong-kong-defies-ban-and-sweep-of-arrests-for-yet-another-protest/2019/08/31/a8f9aa7a-cb22-11e9-9615-8f1a32962e04_story.html |access-date=31 August 2019 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=31 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831224019/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/hong-kong-defies-ban-and-sweep-of-arrests-for-yet-another-protest/2019/08/31/a8f9aa7a-cb22-11e9-9615-8f1a32962e04_story.html |url-status=live }} At night, the Special Tactical Squad (officially known as the Special Tactical Contingent) stormed Prince Edward station, where they beat and pepper-sprayed the commuters inside.{{cite web |title=Hong Kong: Rampaging police must be investigated |url=https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/09/hong-kong-rampaging-police-protest/ |publisher=Amnesty International |access-date=1 September 2019 |date=1 September 2019 |quote=In response to the latest clashes between police and protesters in Hong Kong on Saturday night – including one incident where police stormed the platform of Prince Edward metro station and beat people on a train – Man-Kei Tam, Director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said: "Violence directed at police on Saturday is no excuse for officers to go on the rampage elsewhere. The horrifying scenes at Prince Edward metro station, which saw terrified bystanders caught up in the melee, fell far short of international policing standards. |archive-date=2019-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901084439/https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2019/09/hong-kong-rampaging-police-protest/ |url-status=live }}

On 4 September, Carrie Lam announced the formal withdrawal of the extradition bill once Legco reconvened in October and the introduction of additional measures to calm the situation. However, protests continued to push for the realisation of all five demands.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/04/little-late-hong-kong-democrats-protesters-vow-action-despite-extradition-bill-withdrawal/|title='Too little, too late': Hong Kong democrats and protesters vow further action despite extradition bill withdrawal|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=4 September 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190905150203/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/04/little-late-hong-kong-democrats-protesters-vow-action-despite-extradition-bill-withdrawal/ |archive-date=5 September 2019|url-status=live}}

File:曾志健中槍 by Campus TV 20191001.png

File:Hong Kong Protests 2019.jpg

On 1 October 2019, mass protests and violent conflict occurred between the protesters and police in various districts of Hong Kong during the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. An 18-year-old protester named Tsang Chi-kin was shot once in the chest by a cornered policeman in Tsuen Wan after he hit the officer's shooting arm with a metal rod.{{Cite news |date=2019-10-02 |title=Hong Kong protester shot as China marks its 70th anniversary |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20191002/p2g/00m/0in/021000c |access-date=2025-02-05 |work=Mainichi Daily News |language=en}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031325/hong-kong-protests-was-police-officer-justified-opening|title=Was police officer justified in opening fire on Hong Kong protester?|first1=Jeffie|last1=Lam|first2=Lok-kei|last2=Sum|first3=Kanis|last3=Leung|date=3 October 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=3 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002230321/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031325/hong-kong-protests-was-police-officer-justified-opening|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Fresh Hong Kong rallies as police call teenager shooting 'lawful' |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/hundreds-join-sit-school-shot-hong-kong-protester-191002005617929.html |access-date=18 December 2019 |publisher=Al Jazeera |date=2 October 2019 |archive-date=2020-09-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912205912/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/10/hundreds-join-sit-school-shot-hong-kong-protester-191002005617929.html |url-status=live }} Tsang was later charged with rioting and assaulting officers,{{Cite news|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/161728/Tsang-Chi-kin%2C-who-was-shot-by-cops%2C-%27in-exile%27-group-says|title=Tsang Chi-kin, who was shot by cops, 'in exile' group says|website=The Standard (Hong Kong)|date=22 December 2020|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2024-02-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240223220511/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/161728/Tsang-Chi-kin%2C-who-was-shot-by-cops%2C-%27in-exile%27-group-says|url-status=live}} arrested in July 2022 trying to flee to Taiwan after two years of hiding, and appeared in court in April 2023.{{Cite news|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/04/19/hong-kong-man-who-hid-out-for-2-years-after-being-shot-in-2019-to-plead-guilty-to-contempt-of-court-protest-charges/|title=Hong Kong man who hid out for 2 years after being shot in 2019 to plead guilty to contempt of court, protest charges|first=Hillary|last=Leung|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=19 April 2023|access-date=19 October 2023|archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610075427/https://hongkongfp.com/2023/04/19/hong-kong-man-who-hid-out-for-2-years-after-being-shot-in-2019-to-plead-guilty-to-contempt-of-court-protest-charges/|url-status=live}} He was sentenced on 18 October 2023 to 3.5 years in prison for the two charges of rioting and assaulting a police officer, and to 11 months and two weeks for perverting the course of justice.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/18/breaking-hong-kong-student-shot-by-police-during-2019-protest-jailed-for-3-5-years-months-for-rioting-assaulting-police-officer/|title=Hong Kong student shot by police during 2019 protest jailed for 3.5 years for rioting, assaulting officer|first=Hillary|last=Leung|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=2023-10-18|access-date=2023-10-19|archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610075550/https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/18/breaking-hong-kong-student-shot-by-police-during-2019-protest-jailed-for-3-5-years-months-for-rioting-assaulting-police-officer/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/18/3-fugitive-hong-kong-protesters-and-man-who-helped-hide-them-jailed-for-up-to-1-year-and-8-months/|title=3 fugitive Hong Kong protesters and man who helped hide them jailed for up to 1 year and 8 months|first=Hillary|last=Leung|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=2023-10-18|access-date=2023-10-19|archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610075538/https://hongkongfp.com/2023/10/18/3-fugitive-hong-kong-protesters-and-man-who-helped-hide-them-jailed-for-up-to-1-year-and-8-months/|url-status=live}}

Carrie Lam invoked the Emergency Regulations Ordinance to impose a law to ban wearing face masks in public gatherings, attempting to curb the ongoing protests on 4 October.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49931598|title=Anger as Hong Kong bans face masks at protests |date=4 October 2019 |work=BBC News |access-date=5 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004111404/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49931598 |archive-date=4 October 2019|url-status=live}} The law's enactment was followed by continued demonstrations in various districts of Hong Kong, blocking major thoroughfares, vandalising shops considered to be pro-Beijing and paralysing the MTR system.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/world/2019/10/4/20898568/hong-kong-protests-face-masks-ban-carrie-lam|title=The Hong Kong government tried to ban face masks. Protesters are already defying it|first=Jen|last=Kirby|work=Vox|date=4 October 2019|access-date=7 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006095531/https://www.vox.com/world/2019/10/4/20898568/hong-kong-protests-face-masks-ban-carrie-lam|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-explainer/explainer-hong-kongs-controversial-anti-mask-ban-and-emergency-regulations-idUSKBN1WJ1FM|title=Explainer: Hong Kong's controversial anti-mask ban and emergency regulations|first=James|last=Promfret|work=Reuters |date=4 October 2019 |access-date=7 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191004210317/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-explainer/explainer-hong-kongs-controversial-anti-mask-ban-and-emergency-regulations-idUSKBN1WJ1FM |archive-date=4 October 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/04/breaking-man-shot-off-duty-hong-kong-police-officer-protesters-attack-vehicle/|title=14-year-old shot by plainclothes Hong Kong police officer as protesters attack vehicle|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=4 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20191004213752/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/04/breaking%2Dman%2Dshot%2Doff%2Dduty%2Dhong%2Dkong%2Dpolice%2Dofficer%2Dprotesters%2Dattack%2Dvehicle/|archive-date=4 October 2019 |url-status=live}} Protests and citywide flash rallies persisted throughout the month.{{cite web |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=135533&sid=2 |title=Sergeant slashed in the neck |work=The Standard |date=13 October 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-12-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219200027/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=135533&sid=2 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3035804/tear-gas-fired-hong-kong-protesters-gather-mong-kok|title=Halloween protests in Hong Kong: police fire tear gas in Mong Kok, Central and Sheung Wan as people denounce alleged force brutality and march against mask ban|first=Martin|last=Choi|work=South China Morning Post|date=31 October 2019|access-date=1 November 2019|archive-date=2019-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102014158/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3035804/tear-gas-fired-hong-kong-protesters-gather-mong-kok|url-status=live}}

File:CUHK Protester face with smoke 20191112.jpg on 12 November 2019.]]

Protesters clashed with the police late at night on 3 November 2019. Alex Chow Tsz-lok, a 22-year-old student at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST), was later found unconscious on the second floor of the estate's car park. He died on 8 November following two unsuccessful brain surgeries.{{cite news|script-title=zh:催淚彈下墮樓 科大生腦重創命危 疑將軍澳停車場3樓墮2樓 消防稱無人阻救援|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/要聞/article/20191105/s00001/1572893617823/催淚彈下墮樓-科大生腦重創命危-疑將軍澳停車場3樓墮2樓-消防稱無人阻救援|website=Ming Pao|access-date=5 November 2019|date=5 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105150329/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E/article/20191105/s00001/1572893617823/%E5%82%AC%E6%B7%9A%E5%BD%88%E4%B8%8B%E5%A2%AE%E6%A8%93-%E7%A7%91%E5%A4%A7%E7%94%9F%E8%85%A6%E9%87%8D%E5%89%B5%E5%91%BD%E5%8D%B1-%E7%96%91%E5%B0%87%E8%BB%8D%E6%BE%B3%E5%81%9C%E8%BB%8A%E5%A0%B43%E6%A8%93%E5%A2%AE2%E6%A8%93-%E6%B6%88%E9%98%B2%E7%A8%B1%E7%84%A1%E4%BA%BA%E9%98%BB%E6%95%91%E6%8F%B4|archive-date=5 November 2019|language=zh|url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Lum |first1=Alvin |title=Student who suffered brain injury in car park fall has died |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3036833/hong-kong-student-who-suffered-severe-brain-injury-after |website=South China Morning Post |date=8 November 2019 |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117040233/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3036833/hong-kong-student-who-suffered-severe-brain-injury-after |archive-date=17 November 2019 |url-status=live}} After his death, protesters engaged in flash rallies against the police and attended vigils in various districts of Hong Kong. They blamed the police for his death, though the police denied any involvement.{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Austin |last2=Cheung |first2=Ezra |name-list-style=and |date=7 November 2019 |title=Anger in Hong Kong After Student Dies From Fall Following Clash With Police |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/07/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-student-dies.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108031012/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/07/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-student-dies.html |archive-date=8 November 2019 |access-date=8 November 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331}} In response to Chow's death, protesters planned a city-wide strike starting on 11 November by disrupting transport in the morning in various districts of Hong Kong.{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=Holmes |last2=Cheng |first2=Kris |last3=Creery |first3=Jennifer |title=Hong Kong police fire live rounds and tear gas as protesters disrupt morning traffic in citywide 'general strike' bid |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/hong-kong-police-fire-live-rounds-tear-gas-protesters-disrupt-morning-traffic-citywide-general-strike-bid/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=11 November 2019 |date=11 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111014726/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/hong-kong-police-fire-live-rounds-tear-gas-protesters-disrupt-morning-traffic-citywide-general-strike-bid/ |url-status=live }} That morning, a policeman fired live rounds in Sai Wan Ho, in response to an unarmed 21 year-old attempting to swat his gun aside.{{cite news |last1=Lamb |first1=Kate |last2=Pang |first2=Jessie |title='Pam, pam, pam': Hong Kong police open fire, wounding protester |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/pam-pam-pam-hong-kong-police-open-fire-wounding-protester-idUSKBN1XL00W |work=Reuters |access-date=11 November 2019 |date=11 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111034529/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/pam-pam-pam-hong-kong-police-open-fire-wounding-protester-idUSKBN1XL00W |archive-date=11 November 2019 |url-status=live}}{{Failed verification|date=October 2022}} On 14 November, an elderly man named Luo Changqing died from a head injury which he had sustained the previous day during a confrontation between two groups of anti-government protesters and residents in Sheung Shui.{{cite web |last1=Wright |first1=Rebecca |last2=Leung |first2=Kenneth |last3=Humayun |first3=Hira |title=Elderly man hit with brick amid Hong Kong protests has died |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/14/asia/hong-kong-protest-elderly-man-dies-intl-hnk/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=14 November 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2020-01-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200103103325/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/11/14/asia/hong-kong-protest-elderly-man-dies-intl-hnk/index.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |title=Hong Kong protests: Elderly man hit on head by brick dies |url=https://www.todayonline.com/world/hong-kong-protests-elderly-man-hit-head-brick-dies |website=Today |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=2020-02-07 |archive-date=2020-02-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200202220424/https://www.todayonline.com/world/hong-kong-protests-elderly-man-hit-head-brick-dies |url-status=live }}

File:DSCF5290 (49094872852).jpg on 18 November 2019 as they attempted to breach the police's cordon line to break through to protesters trapped inside Hong Kong Polytechnic University]]

For the first time, during a standoff on 11 November, police shot numerous rounds of tear gas, sponge grenades and rubber bullets into the campuses of universities, while protesters threw bricks and petrol bombs in response.{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037262/tear-gas-fired-campuses-first-time-student-protesters |title=Tear gas fired on campuses for first time as student protesters battle police at Chinese University, Polytechnic University and University of Hong Kong |work=South China Morning Post |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=12 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-11-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120220646/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037262/tear-gas-fired-campuses-first-time-student-protesters |url-status=live }} Student protesters from the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) confronted the police for two consecutive days.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/12/cuhk-turns-battleground-protesters-police-clashes-rage-across-hong-kong-universities/|title=CUHK turns into battleground between protesters and police as clashes rage on across Hong Kong universities|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=12 November 2019|access-date=12 November 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20191114123916/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/12/cuhk-turns-battleground-protesters-police-clashes-rage-across-hong-kong-universities/|archive-date=14 November 2019 |url-status=live}} After the conflict, protesters briefly occupied several universities.{{cite web |last1=Magramo |first1=Kathleen |last2=Chan |first2=Ho-him |last3=Lum |first3=Alvin |title=Are universities becoming 'weapons factories' as claimed by police? |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037990/are-hong-kongs-universities-becoming-weapons-factories |website=South China Morning Post |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2023-12-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231207213648/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037990/are-hong-kongs-universities-becoming-weapons-factories |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Merrit |title=Hong Kong Police Say Protesters Are Shooting Arrows From Universities |url=https://www.npr.org/2019/11/14/779399836/hong-kong-police-say-protesters-are-shooting-arrows-from-universities |publisher=NPR |date=14 November 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2023-04-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230413222331/https://www.npr.org/2019/11/14/779399836/hong-kong-police-say-protesters-are-shooting-arrows-from-universities |url-status=live }} A major conflict between protesters and police took place in Hung Hom on 17 November after protesters took control of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) and blockaded the Cross-Harbour Tunnel. Thus began the siege of PolyU by police which ended with them storming onto the campus and arresting several protesters and volunteer medics in the early morning of 18 November.{{cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492855-20191118.htm |title=Police enter Poly U after marathon standoff |work=RTHK |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118032317/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492855-20191118.htm%3Farchive_date%3D2019-11-18 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Needham |first1=Kirsty |title=Riot police storm Hong Kong Polytechnic University after all-night siege |url=https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/riot-police-storm-hong-kong-polytechnic-university-after-all-night-siege-20191118-p53bgw.html |access-date=18 November 2019 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |date=18 November 2019 |archive-date=2024-02-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240228222343/https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/riot-police-storm-hong-kong-polytechnic-university-after-all-night-siege-20191118-p53bgw.html |url-status=live }} On March 11, 2023, 20 people were jailed for up to 64 months over riot near besieged PolyU campus in 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3213211/hong-kong-protests-20-jailed-64-months-over-riot-near-besieged-polyu-campus-2019|title=Hong Kong protests: 20 jailed for up to 64 months over riot near besieged PolyU campus in 2019|publisher=South China Morning Post|date=11 March 2023|access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2024-05-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508223549/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3213211/hong-kong-protests-20-jailed-64-months-over-riot-near-besieged-polyu-campus-2019|url-status=live}}

File:DSCF8925 (49311981367).jpg

The 24 November 2019 District Council election, considered a referendum on the government and the protests, attracted a record high voter turnout.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-election-idUSKBN1WX1C2|title=Protests turn Hong Kong's council elections into referendum on Lam's government|date=18 October 2019|work=Reuters|access-date=15 December 2019|archive-date=2020-10-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003063622/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-election-idUSKBN1WX1C2|url-status=live}} The results saw the pro-democracy camp win by a landslide, with the pro-Beijing camp suffering their greatest electoral defeat in Hong Kong's history.{{cite news|title=Hong Kong voters deliver landslide victory for pro-democracy campaigners|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/hong-kong-residents-turn-up-for-local-elections-in-record-numbers|work=The Guardian|date=24 November 2019|access-date=2019-11-25 |archive-date=2019-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125014152/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/24/hong-kong-residents-turn-up-for-local-elections-in-record-numbers|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong Election Results Give Democracy Backers Big Win |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/24/world/asia/hong-kong-election-results.html |work=The New York Times |date=24 November 2019 |access-date=25 November 2019 |ref=pro-democracy candidates captured 389 of 452 elected seats, up from only 124 and far more than they have ever won. |last1=Bradsher |first1=Keith |last2=Ramzy |first2=Austin |last3=May |first3=Tiffany |archive-date=2019-11-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191125064446/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/24/world/asia/hong-kong-election-results.html |url-status=live }} The unprecedented electoral success of the pro-democracy voters, the mass arrests during the PolyU siege, and faster response by police contributed to a decrease in the intensity and frequency of the protests in December 2019 and January 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/01/23/little-break-hong-kong-protesters-mull-tactics-intensity-fades/|title='A little break': Hong Kong protesters mull tactics as intensity fades|first=Jerome|last=Taylor |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020}} Despite this, the CHRF organised two marches to maintain pressure on the government on 8 December 2019 and 1 January 2020.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/08/asia/hong-kong-protest-march-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Hong Kong protesters keep up pressure with mass march|first=James|last=Griffiths|date=8 December 2019|access-date=9 December 2019|work=CNN|archive-date=2024-05-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240528191409/https://edition.cnn.com/2019/12/08/asia/hong-kong-protest-march-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/01/resist-tyranny-join-union-huge-turnout-hongkongers-hit-streets-new-years-day-protest/|title='Resist tyranny, join a union': Huge turnout as Hongkongers hit the streets for New Year's Day protest|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=1 January 2020|access-date=5 September 2020}}

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Mainland China and subsequent escalation of the COVID-19 crisis in February and March 2020 caused the number of large-scale rallies to dwindle further because of fears that they might facilitate the spread of the virus. Despite this, the pro-democratic movement's tactics were repurposed to pressure the government to take stronger actions to safeguard public health in the face of the pandemic's outbreak in Hong Kong.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/2020/2/7/21124157/coronavirus-hong-kong-protests-china-carrie-lam|title=How Hong Kong's protests are shaping the response to the coronavirus|first=Jen|last=Kirby|work=Vox|date=7 February 2020|access-date=9 February 2020|archive-date=2020-02-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200209163623/https://www.vox.com/2020/2/7/21124157/coronavirus-hong-kong-protests-china-carrie-lam|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/hong-kong-with-coronavirus-curbed-protests-may-return|title=Hong Kong: with coronavirus curbed, protests may return|first=Helen|last=Davidson|date=15 March 2020|work=The Guardian|access-date=14 May 2024|archive-date=2020-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418225551/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/15/hong-kong-with-coronavirus-curbed-protests-may-return|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/02/25/not-done-yet-virus-delivers-blow-hong-kong-protests-rage-remains/ |title='Not done yet': Virus delivers blow to Hong Kong protests but rage remains |work=Hong Kong Free Press |first1=Jerome |last1=Taylor |first2=Xinqi |last2=Su |publisher=AFP |date=25 February 2020 |access-date=23 March 2020 |archive-date=2020-03-05 |archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20200305213354/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/02/25/not-done-yet-virus-delivers-blow-hong-kong-protests-rage-remains/ |url-status=live }} Police used COVID-19 laws banning groups of more than four, for example, to disperse protesters.{{cite news |last1=Hui |first1=Mary |title=Hong Kong police are using coronavirus restrictions to clamp down on protesters |url=https://qz.com/1829892/hong-kong-police-use-coronavirus-rules-to-limit-protests/ |access-date=19 April 2020 |work=Quartz |date=1 April 2020 |archive-date=2020-04-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200418180835/https://qz.com/1829892/hong-kong-police-use-coronavirus-rules-to-limit-protests/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police break up pro-democracy singing protest at mall |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-police-break-up-pro-democracy-singing-protest-at-mall-idUSKCN2280IK |access-date=27 April 2020 |work=Reuters |date=26 April 2020 |archive-date=2020-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426221821/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-police-break-up-pro-democracy-singing-protest-at-mall-idUSKCN2280IK |url-status=live }} On 18 April, police arrested 15 pro-democracy activists including Jimmy Lai, Martin Lee and Margaret Ng for their activities in 2019, drawing international condemnation.{{cite news |title=Foreign governments condemn Hong Kong protest arrests |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-arrests/foreign-governments-condemn-hong-kong-protest-arrests-idUSKBN221036 |first=Scott |last=Murdoch |access-date=3 August 2020 |work=Reuters |date=19 April 2020 |archive-date=2020-04-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200419062939/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-arrests/foreign-governments-condemn-hong-kong-protest-arrests-idUSKBN221036 |url-status=live }}

File:Hong Kong IMG 20190812 170957 (48520377932).jpg" ({{Lang-zh|link=no|t=光復香港，時代革命}}), which has achieved mainstream adoption since July 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3091335/hong-kong-national-security-law-flags-banners-and|title=Hong Kong national security law: flags, banners, and slogans advocating independence, liberation or revolution now illegal|first=Christy|last=Leung|work=South China Morning Post|date=1 July 2020|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=2023-04-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230409010641/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3091335/hong-kong-national-security-law-flags-banners-and|url-status=live}}]]

On 21 May 2020, state media announced that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) would begin drafting a new law that covers "secession, foreign interference, terrorism and subversion against the central government", to be added into the Annex III of the Hong Kong Basic Law. This meant that the law would come into effect through promulgation, bypassing local legislation.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/21/breaking-beijing-to-discuss-enacting-national-security-law-in-hong-kong-following-months-of-protest/|title='Highly necessary: Beijing to discuss enacting national security law in Hong Kong following months of protest|first=Tom|last=Grundy|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=21 May 2020|access-date=21 May 2020|archive-date=2020-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521142911/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/21/breaking-beijing-to-discuss-enacting-national-security-law-in-hong-kong-following-months-of-protest/|url-status=live}} Despite international pressure, the NPCSC passed the national security law unanimously on 30 June, without informing the public and the local officials of the content of the law.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/06/30/breaking-hong-kong-national-security-law-passed-by-beijing/|title=Beijing unanimously passes national security law for Hong Kong as Chief Exec. Carrie Lam evades questions|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=30 June 2020|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=2020-07-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200701102758/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/06/30/breaking-hong-kong-national-security-law-passed-by-beijing/|url-status=live}} The law created a chilling effect in the city.{{cite news |last1=Mahtani |first1=Shibani |last2=Dou |first2=Eva |title=China's security law sends chill through Hong Kong, 23 years after handover |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/hong-kong-national-security-law-ends-freedom-democracy-china/2020/06/30/c37e5a4a-ba8b-11ea-97c1-6cf116ffe26c_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20221106193212/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/hong-kong-national-security-law-ends-freedom-democracy-china/2020/06/30/c37e5a4a-ba8b-11ea-97c1-6cf116ffe26c_story.html |archive-date=6 November 2022 |date=30 June 2020 |quote=Even before Hong Kong residents had full details on Beijing's new national security law Tuesday, a chilling effect was underway — silencing residents who have fought to preserve the territory's autonomy and political freedoms. |url-status=live}}{{cite magazine |last1=Barron |first1=Laignee |title='It's So Much Worse Than Anyone Expected.' Why Hong Kong's National Security Law Is Having Such a Chilling Effect |url=https://time.com/5867000/hong-kong-china-national-security-law-effect/ |magazine=Time |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106204806/https://time.com/5867000/hong-kong-china-national-security-law-effect/ |archive-date=6 November 2022 |date=23 July 2020 |quote=In the three and a half weeks since the enactment of the law at the end of June, a sense of fear and uncertainty has taken hold in Hong Kong, where anything seen to provoke hatred against the Chinese government is now punishable with up to life in prison. Some people have redacted their social media posts and erased messaging app histories. Journalists have scrubbed their names from digital archives. Books are being purged from libraries. Shops have dismantled walls of Post-it Notes bearing pro-democracy messages, while activists have resorted to codes to express protest chants suddenly outlawed. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |title=Academics warn of 'chilling effect' of Hong Kong security law |url=https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/12/academics-warn-of-chilling-effect-of-hong-kong-security-law |website=The Guardian |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106205137/https://www.theguardian.com/education/2020/oct/12/academics-warn-of-chilling-effect-of-hong-kong-security-law |archive-date=6 November 2022 |date=12 October 2020 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Yeung |first1=Jessie |title=One year after Hong Kong's national security law, residents feel Beijing's tightening grip |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/29/asia/hong-kong-nsl-one-year-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |website=CNN |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106205402/https://edition.cnn.com/2021/06/29/asia/hong-kong-nsl-one-year-intl-hnk-dst/index.html |archive-date=6 November 2022 |date=29 June 2021 |quote=Even before the law passed, a chilling effect could be seen throughout the city, with political and activist groups disbanding and many citizens hastily deleting social media posts and accounts prior to June 30. |url-status=live}}{{cite web |last1=Davidson |first1=Helen |title='They can't speak freely': Hong Kong a year after the national security law |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/30/they-cant-speak-freely-hong-kong-a-year-after-the-national-security-law |website=The Guardian |access-date=6 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221106205649/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jun/30/they-cant-speak-freely-hong-kong-a-year-after-the-national-security-law |archive-date=6 November 2022 |date=29 June 2021 |url-status=live}} Demosistō, which had been involved in lobbying for other nations' support, and several pro-independence groups announced that they had decided to disband and cease all operations, fearing that they would be the targets of the new law.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/china-passes-controversial-hong-kong-nat-security-law-reports-200630013307873.html|title=China passes Hong Kong security law, deepening fears for future|publisher=Al Jazeera|date=30 June 2020|access-date=30 June 2020|archive-date=2020-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200701111303/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/06/china-passes-controversial-hong-kong-nat-security-law-reports-200630013307873.html|url-status=live}} Thousands of protesters showed up on 1 July to protest against the newly implemented law. On that day, the police arrested at least ten people for "breaching national security" for displaying protest art.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/最少-10-人涉違-國安法-被捕-家屬-兒子僅手機貼-光時-貼紙-袋藏文宣/|title=最少 10 人涉違《國安法》被捕 家屬：兒子僅手機貼「光時」貼紙、袋藏文宣|work=Stand News|date=1 July 2020|access-date=2 July 2020|archive-date=3 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200703165914/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%9C%80%E5%B0%91-10-%E4%BA%BA%E6%B6%89%E9%81%95-%E5%9C%8B%E5%AE%89%E6%B3%95-%E8%A2%AB%E6%8D%95-%E5%AE%B6%E5%B1%AC-%E5%85%92%E5%AD%90%E5%83%85%E6%89%8B%E6%A9%9F%E8%B2%BC-%E5%85%89%E6%99%82-%E8%B2%BC%E7%B4%99-%E8%A2%8B%E8%97%8F%E6%96%87%E5%AE%A3/|url-status=dead}}

Following the implementation of the national security law, the international community reassessed their policies towards China. Major countries in the West (Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, Germany and New Zealand) suspended their extradition treaties with Hong Kong over the introduction of the national security law.{{cite news |agency=The Canadian Press |date=3 July 2020 |title=Canada suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong over new security law |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-suspending-extradition-treaty-hong-kong-over-security-law-1.5636479 |publisher=Canadian Broadcasting Corporation |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=2020-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704070731/https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-suspending-extradition-treaty-hong-kong-over-security-law-1.5636479 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= Needham |first= Kirsty |date= 9 July 2020 |title= Angering China, Australia suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong, extends visas |url= https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/world/australian-pm-suspends-extradition-treaty-extends-visas-for-hong-kong-citizens-471269/ |work= The Guardian |access-date= 28 July 2020 |archive-date= 2020-10-03 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20201003123415/https://www.theguardian.pe.ca/news/world/australian-pm-suspends-extradition-treaty-extends-visas-for-hong-kong-citizens-471269/ |url-status= live }}{{cite news |agency=AFP |date=21 July 2020 |title=UK suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong |url=https://guardian.ng/news/world/uk-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong/ |work=The Guardian |access-date=28 July 2020 |archive-date=2024-03-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240313144141/https://guardian.ng/news/world/uk-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last= Graham-McLay |first= Charlotte |date=28 July 2020 |title=New Zealand suspends Hong Kong extradition treaty over China national security law|url= https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/28/new-zealand-suspends-hong-kong-extradition-treaty-over-china-national-security-law|work=The Guardian |access-date=28 July 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/31/just-in-germany-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-minister/|title=Germany suspends extradition treaty with Hong Kong citing election delay – minister|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=31 July 2020|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=2021-02-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201043356/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/31/just-in-germany-suspends-extradition-treaty-with-hong-kong-minister/|url-status=live}} The US Congress passed the Hong Kong Autonomy Act and president Donald Trump signed an Executive Order to revoke the city's special trade status after Mike Pompeo informed the Congress that Hong Kong was no longer autonomous from China and so should be considered the same country in trade and other such matters.{{Cite news|date=27 May 2020|title=HK 'no longer autonomous from China' – Pompeo|work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52824839|access-date=28 May 2020|archive-date=2020-05-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200527232138/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-52824839|url-status=live}} On 7 August, the US announced that they would impose sanctions on eleven Hong Kong and Chinese top officials, including Carrie Lam, for undermining Hong Kong's freedom and autonomy.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/aug/07/carrie-lam-us-sanctions-trump-hong-kong-security-law|title=US imposes sanctions on leader Carrie Lam over Hong Kong crackdown|first=Emma|last=Graham-Harrison|publisher=CNN|date=7 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}} The British Home Office announced that starting from early 2021, current and former holders of the BN(O) passport in Hong Kong can resettle in the UK along with their dependents for five years before they become eligible to apply for permanent citizenship.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094298/britain-unveils-details-citizenship-offer-hongkongers-bno|title=Britain unveils details of citizenship offer for Hongkongers with BN(O) passports|first=Stuart|last=Lau|work=South China Morning Post|date=22 July 2020|access-date=29 July 2020|archive-date=2020-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200724100627/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3094298/britain-unveils-details-citizenship-offer-hongkongers-bno|url-status=live}}

File:Civic Party vote for 2020 legislative election 20200619.png promoting the primaries as the democrats aspired to secure a majority in LegCo. Four candidates from the party were disqualified by the government.]]

File:DSCF1289 (50407745726).jpg.]]

Invigorated by its success in the November 2019 District Council election, the pro-democratic bloc was eyeing to win over half of the 70 seats in the Legislative Council in the election set to be held on 6 September.{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/03/functional-constituencies-are-key-in-legco-vote/|title=Functional constituencies are key in LegCo vote|first=Jeff|last=Pao|work=Asia Times|date=6 March 2020|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=2020-03-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329062055/https://asiatimes.com/2020/03/functional-constituencies-are-key-in-legco-vote/|url-status=live}} Unfazed by the national security law, more than 600,000 people cast their votes in the bloc's historic first primaries in mid July 2020. The Hong Kong government then disqualified twelve candidates on 30 July, nearly all of whom were winners from the pro-democratic primaries.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/30/breaking-hong-kong-bans-8-pro-democracy-figures-from-legislative-election/|title=Hong Kong bans Joshua Wong and 11 other pro-democracy figures from legislative election|first=Kelly|last=Ho|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=30 July 2020|access-date=30 July 2020|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704114315/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/30/breaking-hong-kong-bans-8-pro-democracy-figures-from-legislative-election/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/15/hong-kong-ex-lawmaker-withdraws-from-coordinating-democratic-primaries-after-beijings-criticism/|title=Hong Kong ex-lawmaker withdraws from coordinating democratic primaries after Beijing's criticism|first=Kelly|last=Ho|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=15 July 2020|access-date=29 July 2020|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134304/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/15/hong-kong-ex-lawmaker-withdraws-from-coordinating-democratic-primaries-after-beijings-criticism/|url-status=live}} The decision drew international condemnation for obstructing the election and the democratic process.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3095413/hong-kong-elections-candidate-disqualification-faces-international|title=Hong Kong elections: candidate disqualification faces international criticism|first=Stuart|last=Lau|work=South China Morning Post|date=31 July 2020|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=2020-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731104506/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/article/3095413/hong-kong-elections-candidate-disqualification-faces-international|url-status=live}} On the following day, Carrie Lam, going against the public opinion,{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B0%91%E7%A0%94-55-%E5%B8%82%E6%B0%91%E6%94%AF%E6%8C%81%E7%AB%8B%E6%B3%95%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E5%A6%82%E6%9C%9F%E8%88%89%E8%A1%8C-%E9%BB%8E%E6%81%A9%E7%81%9D-%E6%8A%BC%E5%BE%8C%E7%BA%8C%E6%90%8D%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E5%83%B9%E5%80%BC/|title=民研：55% 市民支持立法會選舉如期舉行 黎恩灝：押後續損民主價值|work=Stand News|date=31 July 2020|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=8 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210708005622/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B0%91%E7%A0%94-55-%E5%B8%82%E6%B0%91%E6%94%AF%E6%8C%81%E7%AB%8B%E6%B3%95%E6%9C%83%E9%81%B8%E8%88%89%E5%A6%82%E6%9C%9F%E8%88%89%E8%A1%8C-%E9%BB%8E%E6%81%A9%E7%81%9D-%E6%8A%BC%E5%BE%8C%E7%BA%8C%E6%90%8D%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E5%83%B9%E5%80%BC|url-status=dead}} invoked emergency powers to delay the election, citing the pandemic as the reason. While the NPCSC allowed the four disqualified incumbent lawmakers to transition to the extended term in July, they decided to remove them from office in November 2020, resulting in the mass resignation of all of opposition lawmakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3109454/mass-resignation-hong-kong-opposition-lawmakers-after|title=Mass resignation of Hong Kong opposition lawmakers after Beijing rules on disqualification|first1=Tony|last1=Cheung|first2=Jeffie|last2=Lam|work=South China Morning Post|date=11 November 2020|access-date=2 December 2020|archive-date=2021-07-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210730093709/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3109454/mass-resignation-hong-kong-opposition-lawmakers-after|url-status=live}}

File:Secretary Pompeo Meets with Nathan Law (50138297826).jpg met with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in July 2020, discussing matters concerning the national security law, the pro-democratic primaries, and the LegCo election.]]

The police continued to use the law to target local activists and critics of Beijing, including business tycoon Jimmy Lai. In January 2021, the police arrested more than 50 individuals, all of whom were connected to the primaries for "subverting state power".{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/06/dozens-of-hong-kong-pro-democracy-figures-arrested-in-sweeping-crackdown|title=Dozens of Hong Kong pro-democracy figures arrested in sweeping crackdown|first=Helen|last=Davidson|work=The Guardian|date=6 January 2021|access-date=5 January 2021}} This meant that most of the active and prominent politicians in the opposite camp in Hong Kong have been arrested by the authorities using the national security law.{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/3an55v/hong-kong-has-arrested-almost-everyone-in-the-political-opposition|title=Hong Kong Has Arrested Almost Everyone in the Political Opposition|first=Viola|last=Zhung|work=Vice|date=6 January 2021|access-date=7 January 2021|archive-date=2021-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428154025/https://www.vice.com/en/article/3an55v/hong-kong-has-arrested-almost-everyone-in-the-political-opposition|url-status=live}} Arrest warrants were issued to exiled activists for breaching the national security law, including former lawmakers Nathan Law, Baggio Leung and Ted Hui.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/31/hong-kong-police-order-arrest-of-nathan-law-and-4-other-exiled-activists-state-media/|title=Hong Kong police order arrest of Nathan Law and other exiled activists – state media|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=31 July 2020|access-date=1 August 2020|archive-date=2020-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200731161718/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/31/hong-kong-police-order-arrest-of-nathan-law-and-4-other-exiled-activists-state-media/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jul/31/china-hong-kong-security-law-american-citizen-exiles?CMP=share_btn_tw|title=China uses Hong Kong security law against US and UK-based activists|first=Adam|last=Gabbatt|work=The Guardian|date=1 August 2020|access-date=1 August 2020}} Twelve Hong Kong activists who were released on bail were captured by China's Coast Guard Bureau while fleeing to Taiwan on a speedboat on 23 August. Detained in Yantian, Shenzhen, they were subsequently charged with crossing the Chinese border illegally and were prevented from choosing their lawyers and meeting their families.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3101582/hong-kong-protests-carrie-lam-says-calling-12-detained|title=Hong Kong protests: Carrie Lam says calling 12 detained in Shenzhen 'democracy activists' a bid to distract from wanted status|first=Jack|last=Lau|work=South China Morning Post|date=15 September 2020|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=2024-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115032436/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3101582/hong-kong-protests-carrie-lam-says-calling-12-detained|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2020/september/will-we-see-them-alive-again-families-of-12-detained-hong-kong-youths-fear-for-their-lives|title=Will We See Them Alive Again? Families of 12 Detained Hong Kong Youths Fear for Their Lives|first=Lucille|last=Talusan|work=CBN News|date=18 September 2020|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=2022-12-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221203202530/https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/world/2020/september/will-we-see-them-alive-again-families-of-12-detained-hong-kong-youths-fear-for-their-lives|url-status=live}}

As protest activities dwindled, the government continued to tighten its control in Hong Kong, censoring school textbooks and removing any mention of the Tiananmen massacre,{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/19/hong-kong-teachers-union-raises-concerns-over-censorship-as-publishers-revise-textbooks-after-govt-review/|title=Hong Kong teachers' union raises concerns over censorship as publishers revise textbooks after gov't review|first=Kelly|last=Ho|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=19 August 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=2020-08-19 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200819155018/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/19/hong-kong-teachers-union-raises-concerns-over-censorship-as-publishers-revise-textbooks-after-govt-review/|url-status=live}} arresting organisers of vigils for the victims of the massacre,{{cite news |title=Tiananmen: Hong Kong vigil organiser arrested on 32nd anniversary |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57353803 |access-date=4 January 2022 |work=BBC News |date=4 June 2021 |archive-date=2021-06-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210605002007/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57353803 |url-status=live }} removing public examination questions which the authorities deemed politically inappropriate,{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/12/01/hong-kong-official-who-resigned-over-history-exam-question-reveals-immense-political-pressure/|title=Hong Kong official who resigned over history exam question reveals 'immense political pressure'|first=Selina|last=Cheng|authorlink=Selina Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=1 December 2020|access-date=2 December 2020}} deregistering "yellow-ribbon" teachers,{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/10/06/hong-kong-teacher-struck-off-for-allegedly-promoting-independence-as-lam-vows-more-action-against-bad-apples/|title=Hong Kong teacher struck off for allegedly promoting independence as Lam vows more action against 'bad apples'|first=Rachel|last=Wong|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=6 October 2020|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610075959/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/10/06/hong-kong-teacher-struck-off-for-allegedly-promoting-independence-as-lam-vows-more-action-against-bad-apples/|url-status=live}} and declaring that separation of powers never existed in Hong Kong despite previous comments by the city's top judges recognising its importance in Hong Kong.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/01/no-separation-of-powers-in-hong-kong-says-chief-exec-carrie-lam-despite-previous-comments-from-top-judges/|title=No separation of powers in Hong Kong says Chief Exec. Carrie Lam, despite previous comments from top judges|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=1 September 2020|access-date=4 September 2020|archive-date=2020-09-01 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20200901085713/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/01/no-separation-of-powers-in-hong-kong-says-chief-exec-carrie-lam-despite-previous-comments-from-top-judges/|url-status=live}} It also attempted to reshape the narrative of the Yuen Long attack by claiming that the attack had not been indiscriminate, changing the officially reported police response time, and arresting Lam Cheuk-ting, a pro-democracy lawmaker who was hurt in the attack, for "rioting".{{cite news |title=Two Hong Kong democrats arrested over 2019 protests; Lam Cheuk-ting detained over alleged 'rioting' during Yuen Long mob attack |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/26/two-hong-kong-democrats-arrested-over-2019-protests-lam-cheuk-ting-detained-over-alleged-rioting-during-yuen-long-mob-attack/ |access-date=3 September 2020 |work=26 August 2020 |archive-date=2024-06-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610075935/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/26/two-hong-kong-democrats-arrested-over-2019-protests-lam-cheuk-ting-detained-over-alleged-rioting-during-yuen-long-mob-attack/ |url-status=live }}

Civil society faced a crackdown by authorities,{{Cite news|last=Ramzy|first=Austin|date=24 October 2021|title=As Hong Kong's Civil Society Buckles, One Group Tries to Hold On|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/24/world/asia/hong-kong-civil-society.html|access-date=11 February 2022|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2021-12-28 |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20211228/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/24/world/asia/hong-kong-civil-society.html|url-status=live}} which triggered a massive exodus from Hong Kong. Pro-democracy activists and lawmakers were among the first to leave the territory; the first wave of emigres also included young professionals, as well as families whose parents wanted to have their children be schooled with emphasis on independent critical thinking.{{Cite web|date=16 September 2021|title=Activists, Families and Young People Flee Hong Kong|url=https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2021-09-16/activists-families-and-young-people-flee-hong-kong|first=Zoya|last=Wazir|website=US News|access-date=26 May 2022|archive-date=2024-06-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240604002324/https://www.usnews.com/news/best-countries/articles/2021-09-16/activists-families-and-young-people-flee-hong-kong|url-status=live}} More than 89,000 Hongkongers left the city in a year after the national security law was imposed, and the city witnessed a record 1.2% drop in population.{{Cite news|last=Wang|first=Vivian|date=11 October 2021|title='This Drop Came So Quickly': Shrinking Schools Add to Hong Kong Exodus|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/world/asia/hong-kong-population-drop.html|access-date=11 February 2022|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=2024-03-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240321221156/https://www.nytimes.com/2021/10/11/world/asia/hong-kong-population-drop.html|url-status=live}} Schools were shrinking as parents feared "brainwashing" "patriotic" education be implemented,{{Cite web|title=香港國安法移民潮致中小學流失約1.5萬學生 家長指移民免子女被洗腦|url=https://www.voacantonese.com/a/p-it-hk-hong-kong-schools-suffering-exodus-due-toemigration-under-hong-kong-nsl-/5985891.html|access-date=11 February 2022|website=美國之音|date=31 July 2021|archive-date=2023-04-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230406084337/https://www.voacantonese.com/a/p-it-hk-hong-kong-schools-suffering-exodus-due-toemigration-under-hong-kong-nsl-/5985891.html|url-status=live}} and tens of thousands applied for British National (Overseas) visas after the UK government unveiled a new immigration path for passport holders.{{Cite web|date=16 January 2022|title=Explainer: How to measure Hong Kong's mass exodus|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2022/01/16/explainer-how-to-measure-hong-kongs-mass-exodus/|access-date=11 February 2022|website=Hong Kong Free Press|language=en-GB}}

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| image1 = 香港民陣再發動4-28反引渡條例大遊行 03 (cropped).jpg

| caption1 = Jimmy Sham, a protest organiser and the convenor of CHRF, was attacked twice during the protests.

| image2 = Junius Ho Kwan-yiu.jpg

| caption2 = Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho, who defended the assailants of the Yuen Long attack,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019621/pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-defends-white-clad-mob|title=Pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho defends white-clad mob that attacked civilians in Hong Kong MTR station, says they can be 'pardoned for defending their home'|first=Sum|last=Lok-hei|work=South China Morning Post|date=22 July 2019|access-date=1 March 2020|archive-date=2019-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722230440/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019621/pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-defends-white-clad-mob|url-status=live}} was attacked.

}}

Clashes between protesters and counter-protesters had become more frequent since the movement began in June 2019. During a pro-police rally on 30 June, their supporters began directing profanities at their opposition counterparts and destroyed their Lennon Wall and the memorial for Marco Leung, leading to intense confrontations between the two camps.{{cite news |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/30/video-thousands-join-pro-hong-kong-police-rally-anti-extradition-law-lennon-wall-messages-destroyed/ |title=Video: Thousands join pro-Hong Kong police rally, as anti-extradition law 'Lennon Wall' messages destroyed |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=30 June 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-06-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190630101313/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/30/video-thousands-join-pro-hong-kong-police-rally-anti-extradition-law-lennon-wall-messages-destroyed/ |url-status=live }} Pro-Beijing citizens, wearing "I love HK police" T-shirts and waving the Chinese national flag, assaulted people perceived to be protesters on 14 September in Fortress Hill.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/hong-kong-protesters-clash-pro-beijing-counterparts-190914140138713.html|title=Hong Kong protesters clash with pro-Beijing counterparts|date=15 September 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|publisher=Al Jazeera|archive-date=2020-09-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920085425/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/09/hong-kong-protesters-clash-pro-beijing-counterparts-190914140138713.html|url-status=live}} Lennon Walls became sites of conflict between the two camps, with pro-Beijing citizens attempting to tear down the messages or removing poster art.{{cite web |last1=Lum |first1=Alvin |last2=Lo |first2=Clifford |title=Two retired policemen among three people arrested over clashes sparked by 'Lennon Walls', Hong Kong's latest show of defiance against hated extradition bill |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3018174/two-retired-policemen-among-three-people-arrested-over |website=South China Morning Post |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=11 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190711075323/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3018174/two-retired-policemen-among-three-people-arrested-over |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48946993|title=Scuffles at Hong Kong's sticky note 'Lennon wall' |work=BBC News |date=11 July 2019 |access-date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190712175055/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-48946993 |archive-date=12 July 2019|url-status=live}} Some protesters and pedestrians were beaten and attacked with knives near Lennon Walls by a single perpetrator{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3020340/knife-attack-yuen-long-tensions-mount-ahead-hong-kong |title=As it happened: bloody clashes and tear gas fired as Hong Kong protesters descend on Yuen Long |website=South China Morning Post |date=27 July 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190727061824/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3020340/knife-attack-yuen-long-tensions-mount-ahead-hong-kong |url-status=live }}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/20/26-year-old-hong-kong-woman-critical-condition-knife-attack-lennon-wall-tseung-kwan-o/|title=26-year-old woman in critical condition after knife attack at Hong Kong 'Lennon Wall'|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=20 August 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|archive-date=2019-08-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820081118/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/20/26-year-old-hong-kong-woman-critical-condition-knife-attack-lennon-wall-tseung-kwan-o/|url-status=live}} or by suspected gang members.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3048395/hong-kong-protests-armed-gang-launches-vicious-attack|title=Hong Kong protests: armed gang launches vicious attack on group outside Yuen Long MTR station|first=Clifford|last=Lo|website=South China Morning Post|date=31 January 2020|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-date=2024-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506043134/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3048395/hong-kong-protests-armed-gang-launches-vicious-attack|url-status=live}} A reporter was stabbed and a teenager distributing pro-protest leaflets had his abdomen slashed.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1487133-20191019.htm|title=Man arrested over 'Lennon Tunnel' knife attack |work=RTHK |date=19 October 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019 |archive-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191020230307/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1487133-20191019.htm|url-status=live}} Owners of small businesses seen to be supportive of the protests and their employees have been assaulted in suspected politically motivated attacks and their businesses vandalised.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/150388/Chef-at-Lung-Mun-Cafe-assaulted|title=Chef at Lung Mun Cafe assaulted|work=The Standard|date=2020-07-06|access-date=2024-05-15|archive-date=2024-05-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515162155/https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/150388/Chef-at-Lung-Mun-Cafe-assaulted|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/13/video-hong-kong-pro-democracy-restaurants-vandalised-masked-men/|title=Video: Hong Kong pro-democracy restaurants vandalised by masked men|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=2020-01-13|access-date=2024-05-15}}

Some civilians rammed their cars into crowds of protesters or the barricades they set up.{{Cite news|url=https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/car-rams-through-protesters-barricade-in-yuen-long-videos/|title=Car rams through protesters' barricade in Yuen Long (VIDEOS) |work=Coconuts Hong Kong |date=5 August 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807190258/https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/car-rams-through-protesters-barricade-in-yuen-long-videos/ |archive-date=7 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/06/video-taxi-rams-pro-democracy-protesters-outside-local-hong-kong-govt-offices-driver-beaten/|title=Video: Taxi rams into pro-democracy protesters outside local Hong Kong gov't offices, driver beaten|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=6 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|archive-date=2019-10-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006115519/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/06/video-taxi-rams-pro-democracy-protesters-outside-local-hong-kong-govt-offices-driver-beaten/|url-status=live}} In one instance, a female protester suffered severe thigh fractures.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/10/hong-kong-taxi-driver-accused-ploughing-protesters-receive-hk520k-pro-beijing-group/|title=Hong Kong taxi driver accused of ploughing into protesters to receive HK$520k from pro-Beijing group|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=10 October 2019|access-date=2 February 2020|archive-date=2019-10-12 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20191012062724/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/10/hong-kong-taxi-driver-accused-ploughing-protesters-receive-hk520k-pro-beijing-group/|url-status=live}} Protest organisers, including Jimmy Sham from the CHRF, and pro-democratic lawmakers such as Roy Kwong were assaulted and attacked.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/24/just-hong-kong-pro-democracy-lawmaker-roy-kwong-attacked-tin-shui-wai/|title=Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmaker Roy Kwong attacked in Tin Shui Wai|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=24 September 2019|access-date=1 October 2019|archive-date=2019-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924033231/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/24/just-hong-kong-pro-democracy-lawmaker-roy-kwong-attacked-tin-shui-wai/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/29/hong-kong-protest-organiser-max-chung-beaten-tai-po-shortly-police-grant-unconditional-release/|title=Hong Kong protest organiser Max Chung beaten up in Tai Po, shortly after police grant him unconditional release|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=29 August 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190829113556/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/29/hong-kong-protest-organiser-max-chung-beaten-tai-po-shortly-police-grant-unconditional-release/ |archive-date=29 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/16/breaking-hong-kong-protest-leader-jimmy-sham-attacked-tai-kok-tsui/|title=Hong Kong protest leader Jimmy Sham attacked by men wielding hammers, Civil Front says|first1=Holmes|last1=Chan|first2=Tom|last2=Grundy|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=16 October 2019|access-date=30 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191016122806/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/16/breaking-hong-kong-protest-leader-jimmy-sham-attacked-tai-kok-tsui/|url-status=live}} On 3 November, politician Andrew Chiu had his ear bitten off by a Chinese mainlander who had reportedly knifed three other people outside Cityplaza.{{cite news |last1=James |first1=Stanley |last2=Lung |first2=Natalie |title=More Than 70 Injured as Hong Kong Protesters, Police Clash |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-03/about-200-people-arrested-as-hong-kong-protesters-go-on-rampage |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=5 November 2019 |date=3 November 2019 |archive-date=2022-04-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220420161329/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-03/about-200-people-arrested-as-hong-kong-protesters-go-on-rampage |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=KG |title=Fights and a knife attack on a rowdy HK weekend |url=https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/11/article/fights-and-a-knife-attack-on-a-rowdy-hk-weekend/ |access-date=5 November 2019 |work=Asia Times |date=4 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-11-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113180731/https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/11/article/fights-and-a-knife-attack-on-a-rowdy-hk-weekend/ |url-status=live }} Meanwhile, pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho was stabbed and his parents' grave was desecrated.{{cite news |title=Pro-Beijing lawmaker stabbed by 'fake supporter' in Hong Kong |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50312310 |access-date=8 November 2019 |work=BBC News |date=6 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191106160608/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50312310 |archive-date=6 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019750/pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-storms-out-live-tv-interview|title=Attackers vandalise graves of pro-Beijing legislator's parents|first1=Jeffie|last1=Lam|first2=Xinqi|last2=Su|first3=Victor|last3=Ting|date=23 July 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=2019-07-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190723081812/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019750/pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-storms-out-live-tv-interview|url-status=live}}

File:Yuen Long Station White Tee people attack citizen in platform 20190721.png on 21 July 2019.]]

The 2019 Yuen Long attack occurred following a mass protest organised by the CHRF on 21 July. Suspected gangsters vowed that they would "defend" their "homeland" and warned all anti-extradition bill protesters not to set foot in Yuen Long.{{Cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1469620-20190722.htm|title=Suspected triads had warned of Yuen Long attacks|publisher=RTHK |access-date=23 July 2019 |archive-date=21 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190721175956/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1469620-20190722.htm |date=22 July 2019|url-status=live}} The perpetrators attacked people on Fung Yau Street North in Yuen Long before entering Yuen Long station, where they indiscriminately attacked commuters in the concourse and on the platform, as well as inside train compartments, resulting in a widespread backlash from the community. The Department of Justice has since been criticised by some lawyers for making "politically motivated" prosecutions. After the Yuen Long attack, no assailant was charged for weeks after the event, while young protesters were charged with rioting within several days.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021860/hong-kongs-justice-department-denies-prosecution-protesters|title=Hong Kong's justice department denies prosecution of protesters is politically motivated, as 3,000 of city's legal profession take part in second silent march|first=Xinqi|last=Su|work=South China Morning Post|date=7 August 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|archive-date=2019-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102055934/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021860/hong-kongs-justice-department-denies-prosecution-protesters|url-status=live}} Protesters were also attacked with fireworks in Tin Shui Wai on 31 July,{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |title=Hong Kong protesters injured in drive-by firework attack during demo outside Tin Shui Wai police station |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/31/hong-kong-protesters-injured-drive-firework-attack-demo-outside-tin-shui-wai-police-station/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=31 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190731031005/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/31/hong-kong-protesters-injured-drive-firework-attack-demo-outside-tin-shui-wai-police-station/ |url-status=live }} and then attacked by knife-wielding men in Tsuen Wan{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/06/hong-kong-man-black-slashed-assailants-targeting-protesters-tsuen-wan/|title=Hong Kong man in black slashed by assailants targeting protesters in Tsuen Wan|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=6 August 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-date=2019-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806083640/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/06/hong-kong-man-black-slashed-assailants-targeting-protesters-tsuen-wan/|url-status=live}} and suspected "Fujianese" gang members wielding long poles in North Point on 5 August, though they fought back against the attackers.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/11/world/asia/hong-kong-protest.html|title=Hong Kong Convulsed by Protest as Police Fire Tear Gas into Subway|first=Mike|last=Ives |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331 |date=11 August 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190811084003/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/11/world/asia/hong-kong-protest.html |archive-date=11 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|title=Hong Kong protests descend into chaos during citywide strike|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/05/hong-kong-riot-police-fire-teargas-at-protesters-as-two-cars-ram-crowds|first1=Lily|last1=Kuo|first2=Christy|last2=Choi|work=The Guardian|date=5 August 2019|access-date=16 November 2019|archive-date=2019-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191008055101/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/05/hong-kong-riot-police-fire-teargas-at-protesters-as-two-cars-ram-crowds|url-status=live}}

{{External media| float = right| width = 230px| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNyKZWYCqpU The 31 July 2019 incident in which protesters were attacked by fireworks launching out of a moving vehicle] (BBC News)| video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKXVqsyMEdw The 11 November 2019 incident in which a man was set on fire by a protester] (Bloomberg)}}

Amidst frustration that police had failed to prosecute pro-government violent counter-protesters and being increasingly distrustful of police because of this,{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/07/world/asia/hong-kong-protesters-masks-violence.html|title=Hong Kong's Hard-Core Protesters Take Justice into Their Own Hands|first1=Elaine|last1=Yu|first2=Tiffany|last2=May|first3=Mike|last3=Ives |date=7 October 2019 |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191007114005/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/07/world/asia/hong-kong-protesters-masks-violence.html |archive-date=7 October 2019|url-status=live |access-date=13 October 2019}} hard-core protesters began to carry out vigilante attacks—described by protesters as "settling matters privately"—targeting individuals perceived to be foes.{{cite news |last1=Smith |first1=Nicola |last2=Law |first2=Zoe |title=Vigilante violence prompts fears of widening polarisation in Hong Kong |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/08/vigilante-violence-prompts-fears-widening-polarisation-hong/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/10/08/vigilante-violence-prompts-fears-widening-polarisation-hong/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=17 December 2019 |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=8 October 2019}}{{cbignore}} Pro-Beijing actress Celine Ma,{{cite web |url=https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2019/10/07/former-hong-kong-actress-celine-ma-claims-attack-by-protestors-video-surfac/1798017 |title=Former Hong Kong actress Celine Ma claims attack by protestors, video surfaces insisting otherwise (VIDEO) |last=Looi |first=Sylvia |website=Malay Mail |date=7 October 2019 |access-date=7 October 2019 |archive-date=2020-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110020740/https://www.malaymail.com/news/showbiz/2019/10/07/former-hong-kong-actress-celine-ma-claims-attack-by-protestors-video-surfac/1798017 |url-status=live }} plainclothed officers,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3046726/hong-kong-protests-tear-gas-fired-arrests-rally-universal|title=Hong Kong protests: two plain-clothes police officers beaten up, tear gas fired and rally organiser arrested as mayhem breaks out in Central|first=Phila|last=Siu|work=South China Morning Post|date=19 January 2020|access-date=7 October 2020|archive-date=2023-09-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230924104654/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3046726/hong-kong-protests-tear-gas-fired-arrests-rally-universal|url-status=live}} and a taxi driver who drove into a crowd of protesters in Sham Shui Po on 8 October, were attacked.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3033050/hong-kong-taxi-driver-beaten-mob-denies-he-was-paid|title=Hong Kong taxi driver beaten by mob denies he was paid to ram car into crowd of protesters|first=Cannix|last=Yau|work=South China Morning Post|date=16 October 2019|access-date=2 November 2019|archive-date=2019-11-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102055932/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3033050/hong-kong-taxi-driver-beaten-mob-denies-he-was-paid|url-status=live}} A middle-aged man was doused with flammable liquid and set on fire by a protester after he had an altercation with protesters at Ma On Shan station on 11 November.{{cite web|url=https://observers.france24.com/en/20191113-gruesome-video-man-set-fire-hong-kong-marks-escalation-violence|title=Hong Kong: Gruesome video of man set on fire marks escalation in violence|first=Liseotte|last=Mars|publisher=France 24|date=13 November 2019|access-date=15 November 2019|archive-date=2019-11-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115042718/https://observers.france24.com/en/20191113-gruesome-video-man-set-fire-hong-kong-marks-escalation-violence|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/hong-kong-police-say-man-set-alight-arguing-protesters/ |title=Hong Kong Police say man set alight when arguing with protesters |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=11 November 2019 |archive-date=2019-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111102746/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/hong-kong-police-say-man-set-alight-arguing-protesters/ |url-status=live }} On 14 November, an elderly man died from head injuries sustained earlier during a violent confrontation between two groups of protesters and Sheung Shui residents.{{cite web |last1=Choi |first1=Martin |title=Call for peace from son of man killed by brick hurled in Hong Kong clash |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038928/hong-kong-protests-call-peace-son-luo-changqing-killed |website=South China Morning Post |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2020-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112104054/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038928/hong-kong-protests-call-peace-son-luo-changqing-killed |url-status=live }}

{{Main|Tactics and methods surrounding the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

File:Tai Po Market Station underground tunnel Lennon Wall 20190709.jpg, dubbed the "Lennon Tunnel"]]

File:Flag of Hong Kong (Black Bauhinia with wilted petals variant).svg, a variation of the flag of Hong Kong]]

File:Give Me Liberty - Hong Kong Graffiti 6 October 2019 (48851461613).jpg became a symbol of resistance during the protests. The words "Give me liberty or give me death" seen in the foreground allude to the 1775 speech by Patrick Henry.]]

File:IMGP1850 (49151831526).jpg toy with a Xi Jinping sticker on its head and a swastika shaped Chinazi flag attached on its chest, used in the 1 December 2019 protests]]

The protests have been described as being largely "leaderless".{{cite news |last1=Banjo |first1=Shelly |last2=Lung |first2=Natalie |last3=Lee |first3=Annie |last4=Dormido |first4=Hannah |title=Hong Kong Democracy Flourishes in Online World China Can't Block |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-hong-kong-airport-protests/ |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=23 August 2019 |date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823012405/https://www.bloomberg.com/graphics/2019-hong-kong-airport-protests/|archive-date=23 August 2019|url-status=live}} Protesters commonly used LIHKG, an online forum similar to Reddit, as well as Telegram, an optionally end-to-end encrypted messaging service to communicate and brainstorm ideas for protests and to make collective decisions. Unlike previous protests, those of 2019 spread over 20 different neighbourhoods.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-protests-police-clash-tear-gas-monday-aug-5-11783460|title=Hong Kong protests: A roundup of all the rallies, clashes and strikes on Aug 5|first=Michael|last=Yong|work=CNA|date=5 August 2019|access-date=7 August 2019|archive-date=6 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806145703/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/hong-kong-protests-police-clash-tear-gas-monday-aug-5-11783460|url-status=dead}} Protesters and their supporters remained anonymous to avoid prosecutions or future potential retaliation from the authorities, employers who had a different political orientation, and corporations which kowtowed to political pressure.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/22/20926585/hong-kong-china-protest-mask-umbrella-anonymous-surveillance|title=In Hong Kong, protesters fight to stay anonymous|first=Trey|last=Smith|work=The Verge|date=22 October 2019|access-date=7 February 2020|archive-date=2020-02-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206171500/https://www.theverge.com/2019/10/22/20926585/hong-kong-china-protest-mask-umbrella-anonymous-surveillance|url-status=live}}

For the most part there were two groups of protesters, namely the "peaceful, rational and non-violent" protesters and the "fighters" group.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/18/hong-kong-protesters-dilemma-fight-resist-peacefully-china-troops |title=Hong Kong's dilemma: fight or resist peacefully |work=The Guardian |date=18 August 2019 |access-date=10 September 2019 |first=Lily |last=Kuo |archive-date=2019-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831022145/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/18/hong-kong-protesters-dilemma-fight-resist-peacefully-china-troops |url-status=live }} Nonetheless, despite differences in methods, both groups refrained from denouncing or criticising the other and provided tacit support. The principle was the "Do Not Split" praxis, which was aimed to promote mutual respect for different views within the same protest movement.{{cite news|last1=Lau Yiu-man|first1=Lewis|title=Hong Kong's Protesters Are Resisting China With Anarchy and Principle: The movement is leaderless but not chaotic. It self-regulates even as it constantly reinvents itself.|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/28/opinion/hong-kong-protests-extradition-china.html |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331 |access-date=8 July 2019 |date=28 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190628191107/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/28/opinion/hong-kong-protests-extradition-china.html |archive-date=28 June 2019|url-status=live}}

{{Further|Art of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

The moderate group participated in different capacities. The peaceful group held mass rallies, and engaged in other forms of protest such as hunger strikes,{{cite web |title=Hunger strikers vow to continue Hong Kong protest – Protesters that include members of religious groups say fast not over until extradition bill is officially withdrawn |url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/hunger-strikers-vow-to-continue-hong-kong-protest/85612 |website=UCAN |publisher=Union of Catholic Asian News Limited |access-date=13 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924221606/https://www.ucanews.com/news/hunger-strikers-vow-to-continue-hong-kong-protest/85612 |archive-date=24 September 2019 |url-status=dead}} forming human chains,{{cite news |title=Hong Kong's human chain protest against extradition bill |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-china-49452986/hong-kong-s-human-chain-protest-against-extradition-bill |work=BBC News |access-date=24 August 2019 |format=video |date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823191620/https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-asia-china-49452986/hong-kong-s-human-chain-protest-against-extradition-bill |archive-date=23 August 2019|url-status=live}} launching petitions,{{cite news |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/05/30/hundreds-petitions-appear-protest-hong-kongs-controversial-china-extradition-bill/ |title=Hundreds of petitions appear in protest of Hong Kong's controversial China extradition bill |date=30 May 2019 |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=16 June 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-19 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190719182959/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/05/30/hundreds-petitions-appear-protest-hong-kongs-controversial-china-extradition-bill/ |url-status=live }} labour strikes,{{cite news |last1=Tam |first1=Felix |last2=Zaharia |first2=Marius |title=Hong Kong neighborhoods echo with late night cries for freedom |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-neighbourhoods-idUSKCN1VN181 |work=Reuters |access-date=4 September 2019 |date=2 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190902211710/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-neighbourhoods-idUSKCN1VN181 |archive-date=2 September 2019 |url-status=live}} and class boycotts.{{cite web|last=Kuo|first=Lily |date=2 September 2019|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/02/hong-kong-protests-students-boycott-classes-as-chinese-media-warns-end-is-coming |title=Hong Kong students boycott classes as Chinese media warns 'end is coming |work=The Guardian |access-date=3 September 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-students-plan-second-day-of-class-boycotts-and-pro-democracy-rallies|title=Hong Kong students hold second day of class boycotts and pro-democracy rallies|date=3 September 2019|agency=Reuters|access-date=4 September 2019|archive-date=2019-09-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904075603/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-students-plan-second-day-of-class-boycotts-and-pro-democracy-rallies|url-status=live}} Lennon Walls were set up in various neighbourhoods to spread messages of support and display protest art.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019352/colourful-irreverent-and-endlessly-creative-how-lennon|title=How Hong Kong's Lennon Walls became showcases for art and design of extradition bill protests|first=Zoe|last=Low|website=South China Morning Post|date=20 July 2019|access-date=7 February 2020|archive-date=2019-10-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191026013312/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019352/colourful-irreverent-and-endlessly-creative-how-lennon|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |last2=Chan |first2=Holmes |title=In Pictures: 'Lennon Wall' message boards appear across Hong Kong districts in support of anti-extradition bill protesters |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/09/pictures-lennon-wall-message-boards-appear-across-hong-kong-districts-support-anti-extradition-law-protesters/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=10 July 2019 |date=9 July 2019 |archive-date=2019-07-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709131338/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/09/pictures-lennon-wall-message-boards-appear-across-hong-kong-districts-support-anti-extradition-law-protesters/ |url-status=live }} Protesters had set up pop-up stores that sold cheap protest gadgets,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-hardware-shop/hong-kong-protesters-gear-up-at-national-calamity-hardware-store-idUSKBN1WQ09J|title=Hong Kong protesters gear up at 'National Calamity Hardware Store'|first=Jessie|last=Pang|work=Reuters |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=2 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191011063731/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-hardware-shop/hong-kong-protesters-gear-up-at-national-calamity-hardware-store-idUSKBN1WQ09J |archive-date=11 October 2019|url-status=live}} provided undercover clinics for young activists,{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/27/broken-bones-blisters-bruises-hong-kong-underground-clinic-volunteers-grapple-influx-protest-injuries/|title=Broken bones, blisters and bruises: Hong Kong underground clinic volunteers grapple with influx of protest injuries|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=27 October 2019|access-date=7 February 2020|archive-date=2020-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200120230330/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/27/broken-bones-blisters-bruises-hong-kong-underground-clinic-volunteers-grapple-influx-protest-injuries|url-status=live}} and crowdfunded to help people in need of medical or legal assistance.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3017548/stand-strong-and-brace-long-battle-over-extradition-bill|title=Stand strong and brace for long battle over extradition bill, mourners told at vigil for two protesters at Hong Kong Education University|first=Naomi|last=Ng|website=South China Morning Post|date=6 July 2019|access-date=13 September 2019|archive-date=2019-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915031301/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3017548/stand-strong-and-brace-long-battle-over-extradition-bill|url-status=live}}

To raise awareness of their cause and to keep citizens informed, artists supporting the protest created protest art and derivative works.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/25/wilting-bauhinias-widemouthed-tigers-evolution-hong-kongs-protest-posters/|title=Wilting bauhinias and widemouthed tigers: The evolution of Hong Kong's protest posters|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=25 July 2019|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-date=2019-07-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190725053913/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/25/wilting-bauhinias-widemouthed-tigers-evolution-hong-kongs-protest-posters/|url-status=live}} Social media platforms were used to deliver information about the protests to raise awareness to users abroad{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1698002/hong-kong-protesters-flock-to-twitter-to-shape-global-message/|title=Hong Kong's fast-learning, dexterous protesters are stumped by Twitter|first=Isabella|last=Steger|work=Quartz|date=2 September 2019|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=2020-01-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200102013754/https://qz.com/1698002/hong-kong-protesters-flock-to-twitter-to-shape-global-message/|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://medium.com/crypto-punks/decentralized-governance-inside-hong-kongs-open-source-revolution-lihkg-reddit-pincong-519ab2861793|title=Decentralized governance: inside Hong Kong's open source revolution (LIHKG, Reddit, Pincong, GitHub)|first=Sam|last=Aiken|work=Medium|date=11 September 2019|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=2019-12-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191204183115/https://medium.com/crypto-punks/decentralized-governance-inside-hong-kongs-open-source-revolution-lihkg-reddit-pincong-519ab2861793|url-status=live}} and circulate images of police brutality.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/16/social-media-has-become-a-battleground-in-hong-kongs-protests.html|title=Social media has become a battleground in Hong Kong's protests|first=Grace|last=Shao|publisher=CNBC|date=16 August 2019|access-date=5 April 2020|archive-date=2020-04-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200403163957/https://www.cnbc.com/2019/08/16/social-media-has-become-a-battleground-in-hong-kongs-protests.html|url-status=live}} Protesters held "civil press conferences" to counter press conferences by police and the government.{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=Holmes |title=Masked protesters hold own press con as Hong Kong NGOs condemn alleged police abuses |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/06/masked-protesters-hold-press-conference-hong-kong-ngos-condemn-alleged-police-abuses/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=6 August 2019 |access-date=2019-08-08 |archive-date=2019-08-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190806095116/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/06/masked-protesters-hold-press-conference-hong-kong-ngos-condemn-alleged-police-abuses/ |url-status=live }} AirDrop was used to broadcast anti-extradition bill information to the public and mainland tourists.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/0008b1aa-9bec-11e9-9c06-a4640c9feebb|title=How to mobilise millions: Lessons from Hong Kong|last1=Liu|first1=Nicolle|last2=Wong|first2=Sue-Lin|date=2 July 2019|website=Financial Times|access-date=14 July 2019|quote=The protesters also use iPhone's AirDrop function to anonymously and rapidly share information.|archive-date=3 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190703145232/https://www.ft.com/content/0008b1aa-9bec-11e9-9c06-a4640c9feebb|url-status=dead}} A protest anthem, "Glory to Hong Kong", was composed, its lyrics crowdsourced on the LIHKG online forum, and sung in flash protests in shopping centres.{{cite news|last1=Dixon|first1=Robyn|author-link=Robyn Dixon (journalist)|last2=Yam|first2=Marcus|date=13 September 2019|title='Glory to Hong Kong': A new protest anthem moves singers to tears|work=Los Angeles Times|location=Hong Kong|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-09-13/glory-to-hong-kong-a-new-protest-anthem-moves-singers-to-tears|url-status=live|access-date=16 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190916124036/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-09-13/glory-to-hong-kong-a-new-protest-anthem-moves-singers-to-tears|archive-date=16 September 2019}} The Lady Liberty Hong Kong statue was also crowdfunded by citizens to commemorate the protests.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activists-hoist-lady-liberty-statue-above-city-to-rally-protests-idUSKBN1WS026|title=Hong Kong protesters and police clash, metro and shops targeted|first=Jessie|last=Pang|work=Reuters |date=13 October 2019 |access-date=20 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013045435/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-pro-democracy-activists-hoist-lady-liberty-statue-above-city-to-rally-protests-idUSKBN1WS026 |archive-date=13 October 2019 |url-status=live}}

Protesters have attempted to gain international support. Activists organised and coordinated numerous rallies to this end.{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/video/scmp-originals/3016149/hong-kong-anti-extradition-bill-protesters-stage-marathon-petition-g20|title=Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protesters stage 'marathon petition' at G20 nation consulates ahead of Osaka summit|first=Shanshan|last=Kao|website=South China Morning Post|date=26 June 2019|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=2019-08-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813143621/https://www.scmp.com/video/scmp-originals/3016149/hong-kong-anti-extradition-bill-protesters-stage-marathon-petition-g20|url-status=live}}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5622571/hong-kong-protest-ventus-lau/|title=The Face of a Faceless Protest: Meet Hong Kong's Ventus Lau|first=Hillary|last=Leung|magazine=Time|date=26 July 2019|access-date=5 January 2020|archive-date=2023-12-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231212224019/https://time.com/5622571/hong-kong-protest-ventus-lau/|url-status=live}} Joshua Wong, Denise Ho and several other democrats provided testimonies during the US congressional hearing for the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act.{{cite news |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/17/live-hong-kong-activists-denise-ho-joshua-wong-testify-us-congressional-hearing-protests/ |title=Hong Kong activists Denise Ho and Joshua Wong testify at US congressional hearing on protests |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=17 September 2019 |access-date=21 September 2019 |archive-date=2019-09-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190917141502/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/17/live-hong-kong-activists-denise-ho-joshua-wong-testify-us-congressional-hearing-protests/ |url-status=live }} To increase the political pressure on China, they also advocated for the suspension of the United States–Hong Kong Policy Act, which grants Hong Kong's special status.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-02/what-u-s-congress-is-and-isn-t-doing-about-hong-kong-quicktake|title=Why Hong Kong's 'Special Status' Is Touchy Territory|first=Iain|last=Marlow|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.|date=2 October 2019|access-date=22 May 2020|archive-date=2022-12-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221205003724/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-10-02/what-u-s-congress-is-and-isn-t-doing-about-hong-kong-quicktake|url-status=live}} Advertisements on the protesters' cause were financed by crowdfunding and placed in major international newspapers.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/28/stand-hong-kong-g20-appeal-extradition-law-crisis-appears-10-intl-newspapers/|title='Stand with Hong Kong': G20 appeal over extradition law crisis appears in over 10 int'l newspapers|date=28 June 2019|work=Hong Kong Free Press|access-date=29 June 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190629204517/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/28/stand%2Dhong%2Dkong%2Dg20%2Dappeal%2Dextradition%2Dlaw%2Dcrisis%2Dappears%2D10%2Dintl%2Dnewspapers/|archive-date=29 June 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web|title=Hong Kong protesters raise US$1.97 million for international ad campaign as they accuse police of 'war crimes' and using 'chemical weapons'|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022498/hong-kong-protesters-raise-us197-million-international-ad|first=Alvin|last=Lum|website=South China Morning Post|date=12 August 2019|access-date=17 May 2020|archive-date=2019-08-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818232554/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022498/hong-kong-protesters-raise-us197-million-international-ad|url-status=live}} At events, protesters waved the national flags of other countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, calling for their support.{{cite news |last1=Chai |first1=Holmes |title=Explainer: The conflicting messages behind protesters' use of the colonial Hong Kong flag |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/13/explainer-conflicting-messages-behind-protesters-use-colonial-hong-kong-flag/ |access-date=29 October 2019 |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=13 July 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190804051803/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/13/explainer-conflicting-messages-behind-protesters-use-colonial-hong-kong-flag/ |archive-date=4 August 2019|url-status=live}}

Efforts were made to transform the protests into a long-lasting movement. Protesters have advocated a "Yellow Economic Circle".{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3023313/hong-kong-protesters-slash-personal-spending-economic|title=Hong Kong protesters slash personal spending in economic boycott designed to force government into meeting extradition bill demands|first=Kanis|last=Leung|work=South China Morning Post|date=18 August 2019|access-date=24 August 2019|archive-date=2019-08-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190824071848/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3023313/hong-kong-protesters-slash-personal-spending-economic|url-status=live}} Supporters of the protesters labelled different establishments based on their political stance and chose to patronise only in businesses which are sympathetic to the movement, while boycotting businesses supporting or owned by mainland Chinese interests.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3035914/not-michelin-guide-hong-kong-restaurants-branded-yellow-if|title=Not the Michelin guide: Hong Kong restaurants branded 'yellow' if they support protests, 'blue' if they don't|first=Fiona|last=Sun|website=South China Morning Post|date=2 November 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-date=2024-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240415055428/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3035914/not-michelin-guide-hong-kong-restaurants-branded-yellow-if|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/buy-yellow-eat-yellow-the-economic-arm-of-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-protests/|title='Buy Yellow, Eat Yellow': The Economic Arm of Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Protests|first=Alexander|last=Chan|work=The Diplomat|date=13 December 2019|access-date=12 January 2020|archive-date=2019-12-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191230113653/https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/buy-yellow-eat-yellow-the-economic-arm-of-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-protests/|url-status=live}} Flash rallies were held in the central business districts as office workers used their lunch break to march on the street.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3036866/hundreds-office-workers-march-work-across-hong-kong-protest|title=Hundreds of office workers march across Hong Kong in protest against government and to show support for student who died in car park fall|first=Zoe|last=Low|work=South China Morning Post|date=8 November 2019|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=2024-01-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240115031256/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3036866/hundreds-office-workers-march-work-across-hong-kong-protest|url-status=live}} The protests prompted various professions to set up labour unions that compete with pro-Beijing lobbies to pressure the government further.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/02/unions-hong-kong-protest-coronavirus/606136/|title=Democracy Drives Labor in a Hyper-Capitalist City|first=Timothy|last=McLaughin|work=The Atlantic|date=6 February 2020|access-date=9 February 2020|archive-date=2020-02-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207173742/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/02/unions-hong-kong-protest-coronavirus/606136/|url-status=live}} Newly elected District Council members put forward motions to condemn the police and used their power to assist the detained protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/01/hong-kong-protests-politics-district-council/605275/|title=Hong Kong Protesters Finally Have (Some) Power|first=Timothy|last=McLaughin|work=The Atlantic|date=22 January 2020|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=2024-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240414212259/https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/01/hong-kong-protests-politics-district-council/605275/|url-status=live}}

File:Hong Kong protests - Kwong Tong March 20190824 - P1066327.jpg method and wore helmets and respirators to protect themselves. Yellow hard hats became a symbol for the protest movement.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1675393/hardhats-are-the-new-symbol-of-hong-kongs-protests/|title=Hardhats have replaced umbrellas as the symbol of Hong Kong's protests|first=Mary|last=Hui|work=Quartz|date=26 July 2019|access-date=6 August 2020|archive-date=2024-03-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240307114050/https://qz.com/1675393/hardhats-are-the-new-symbol-of-hong-kongs-protests|url-status=live}}]]

File:Sheung Yuet Road lamppost after protesters destroy 20190824.jpg.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3024428/hong-kong-protesters-cast-dark-day-over-citys-innovation|title=Hong Kong protesters cast 'dark day' over city's innovation sector by vandalising smart lamp posts, says technology chief Nicholas Yang|first=Elizabeth|last=Yeung|website=South China Morning Post|date=26 August 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-date=2024-02-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214072609/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3024428/hong-kong-protesters-cast-dark-day-over-citys-innovation|url-status=live}}]]

Radical protesters adopted the "be water" strategy, inspired by Bruce Lee's philosophy, often moving in a fluid and agile fashion to confound and confuse the police. They often retreated when police arrived, only to re-emerge elsewhere.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-latest-bruce-lee-riot-police-water-a9045311.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190807170322/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-protest-latest-bruce-lee-riot-police-water-a9045311.html |archive-date=7 August 2019 |url-access=limited |url-status=live|title='Be water': Hong Kong protesters adopt Bruce Lee tactic to evade police crackdown|first=Erin|last=Hale |work=The Independent |date=7 August 2019 |access-date=8 August 2019}} In addition, protesters adopted black bloc tactics to protect their identities. Frontliners' "full gear" consisted of umbrellas, face masks, hard hats and respirators to shield themselves from projectiles and teargas.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/09/explainer-frontline-protesters-toolkit-evolved-hong-kongs-long-summer-dissent/|title=Explainer: How frontline protesters' toolkit has evolved over Hong Kong's long summer of dissent|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=9 August 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190810130755/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/09/explainer-frontline-protesters-toolkit-evolved-hong-kongs-long-summer-dissent/|archive-date=10 August 2019 |url-status=live}} Furthermore, protesters used laser pointers to distract and annoy police officers and interfere with the operation of their cameras. At protest scenes, protesters used hand gestures for nonverbal communication, and supplies were delivered via human chains.{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/world/2019/08/be-water-seven-tactics-are-winning-hong-kongs-democracy-revolution|title="Be Water!": seven tactics that are winning Hong Kong's democracy revolution|first=Anthony|last=Dapiran|work=New Statesman|date=1 August 2019|access-date=5 December 2019|archive-date=2019-08-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805202637/https://www.newstatesman.com/world/2019/08/be-water-seven-tactics-are-winning-hong-kongs-democracy-revolution|url-status=live}} Different protesters adopted different roles. Some were "scouts" who shared real-time updates whenever they spotted the police,{{cite web|url=https://yp.scmp.com/news/features/article/114284/hong-kong-protests-video-game-roles-taken-when-demonstrations-turn|title=Hong Kong protests: The video game-like roles taken when demonstrations turn violent, from 'fire wizards' to scouts|first=Kelly|last=Fung|work=South China Morning Post|date=24 September 2019|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=2020-02-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200218184230/https://yp.scmp.com/news/features/article/114284/hong-kong-protests-video-game-roles-taken-when-demonstrations-turn|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/23/we-must-defend-our-city-a-day-in-the-life-of-a-hong-kong-protester|title='We must defend our city': A day in the life of a Hong Kong protester|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=23 August 2019 |access-date=19 February 2020}} A mobile app was developed to allow crowdsourcing the location of police.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/tech/apps-social/article/3032001/apple-allows-hong-kong-protest-map-app-can-track-police-and|title=Apple allows Hong Kong protest map app that can track police and protester locations|first=Iris|last=Deng|work=South China Morning Post|date=8 October 2019|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134230/https://www.scmp.com/tech/apps-social/article/3032001/apple-allows-hong-kong-protest-map-app-can-track-police-and|url-status=live}}

Starting in August 2019, radical protesters escalated the controversial use of violence and intimidation. They dug up paving bricks and threw them at police; others used petrol bombs, corrosive liquid and other projectiles against police.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50115629|title=Hong Kong: Petrol bombs tossed at police in latest protest|publisher=BBC|date=20 October 2019|access-date=7 December 2019|archive-date=2024-01-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120013355/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-50115629|url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1481829-20190921.htm |title=Yuen Long protest gets ugly, petrol bombs thrown |work=RTHK |date=21 September 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019 |archive-date=2020-11-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201130150914/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1481829-20190921.htm |url-status=live }} As a result of clashes, there were multiple reports of police injuries and the assault of officers throughout the protests.{{cite news |last1=Asher |first1=Saira |last2=Tsoi |first2=Grace |title=What led to a single gunshot being fired? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/extra/1diisEsIvY/hong-kong-protests |access-date=30 August 2019 |work=BBC News |date=30 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191123130248/https://www.bbc.com/news/extra/1diisEsIvY/hong-kong-protests |archive-date=23 November 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=Kelvin |last2=Cheung |first2=Kin |title=Hong Kong police draw guns, arrest 36 from latest protest |url=https://apnews.com/b116e37159164abb9bfede0bc341dd0a |work=Associated Press |access-date=31 August 2019 |date=24 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-08-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190831074520/https://apnews.com/b116e37159164abb9bfede0bc341dd0a |url-status=live }} One officer was slashed in the neck with a box cutter, and a media liaison officer was shot in the leg with an arrow during the PolyU siege.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/17/asia/hong-kong-protests-november-17-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Hong Kong university under siege by police as authorities warn live rounds are an option|first1=Ben|last1=Westcott|first2=Jo|last2=Shelley|publisher=CNN|access-date=17 November 2019|archive-date=2023-11-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118062202/https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/17/asia/hong-kong-protests-november-17-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}} Protesters also directed violence towards undercover officers suspected to be agents provocateurs.{{cite web |url=https://www.hk01.com/18%E5%8D%80%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/364980/%E5%85%89%E5%BE%A9%E7%B4%85%E5%9C%9F-%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81%E8%80%85%E5%91%BC%E7%B1%B2-%E6%8D%89%E9%AC%BC-%E8%A6%81%E7%90%86%E6%80%A7-%E8%A6%8B%E5%8F%AF%E7%96%91%E4%BA%BA%E6%87%89%E6%8B%8D%E4%BD%8E%E5%8B%BF%E5%82%B7%E5%AE%B3 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【光復紅土】示威者呼籲「捉鬼」要理性 見可疑人應拍低勿傷害 |work=Hong Kong 01 |date=17 August 2019 |access-date=29 October 2019 |archive-date=2023-05-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230521102301/https://www.hk01.com/18%E5%8D%80%E6%96%B0%E8%81%9E/364980/%E5%85%89%E5%BE%A9%E7%B4%85%E5%9C%9F-%E7%A4%BA%E5%A8%81%E8%80%85%E5%91%BC%E7%B1%B2-%E6%8D%89%E9%AC%BC-%E8%A6%81%E7%90%86%E6%80%A7-%E8%A6%8B%E5%8F%AF%E7%96%91%E4%BA%BA%E6%87%89%E6%8B%8D%E4%BD%8E%E5%8B%BF%E5%82%B7%E5%AE%B3 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |title='Undercover officer' beaten in Tseung Kwan O |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1485947-20191013.htm |access-date=4 September 2020 |date=13 October 2019 |publisher=RTHK |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200912212947/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1485947-20191013.htm |archive-date=12 September 2020}} Several individuals were arrested for illegal possession of firearms or making homemade explosives.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3043251/hong-kong-teen-arrested-firing-live-round-police-part|title=Hong Kong teen who fired at police was part of gang that planned to 'slaughter' officers during protest rally, court hears|first=Brian|last=Wong|work=South China Morning Post|date=23 December 2019|access-date=14 June 2020|archive-date=2019-12-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191227093328/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3043251/hong-kong-teen-arrested-firing-live-round-police-part|url-status=live}}

Unlike other civil unrests, little random smashing and looting were observed, as protesters vandalised targets they believed embodied injustice.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/06/a-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-city-why-violence-has-spiralled-in-the-hong-kong-protests|title=A battle for the soul of the city: why violence has spiralled in the Hong Kong protests|first=Emma|last=Graham-Harrison|work=The Guardian|date=6 October 2019|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=2019-12-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191210044105/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/06/a-battle-for-the-soul-of-the-city-why-violence-has-spiralled-in-the-hong-kong-protests|url-status=live}} Corporations that protesters accused of being pro-Beijing and mainland Chinese companies were also vandalised, subject to arson or spray-painted.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-cleanup-idUSKBN1WH055|title=Mainland banks, pro-Beijing businesses caught in Hong Kong protest cross-hairs |first1=Sumeet|last1=Chatterjee|first2=Anne Marie|last2=Roantree|date=2 October 2019|work=Reuters|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002055841/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-cleanup-idUSKBN1WH055 |archive-date=2 October 2019|url-status=live |access-date=20 October 2019}}{{cite web |url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=135017&sid=4 |title=Maxim's distances itself from 'rioters' remark by founder's daughter Annie Wu |work=The Standard |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=9 October 2019 |archive-date=2020-01-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200108212825/http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=135017&sid=4 |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022287/hong-kong-businesses-caught-crossfire-protest-crisis-new|title=Hong Kong businesses caught in crossfire of protest crisis, as new phone apps make politics part of shopping|first=Kanis|last=Leung|work=South China Morning Post|date=11 August 2019|access-date=9 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009110554/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022287/hong-kong-businesses-caught-crossfire-protest-crisis-new|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3018473/sheung-shui-readies-itself-protests-hongkongers-take|title=Hong Kong border town of Sheung Shui rocked by protest violence and chaos before police finally clear streets at night|first=Xinqi|last=Su|work=South China Morning Post|date=13 July 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-date=2024-05-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506043133/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3018473/sheung-shui-readies-itself-protests-hongkongers-take|url-status=live}} Protesters also directed violence at symbols of the government by vandalising government and pro-Beijing lawmakers' offices,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3030889/hong-kong-protests-three-arrested-over-july-1-storming|title=Hong Kong protests: three arrested over July 1 storming of Legislative Council, according to reports, in police swoop of high-profile activists ahead of National Day|first=Lok-kei|last=Sum|date=30 September 2019|website=South China Morning Post|access-date=30 November 2020|archive-date=2019-10-09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191009222748/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3030889/hong-kong-protests-three-arrested-over-july-1-storming|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/video-office-hong-kong-pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-trashed-dozens-protest-response-yuen-long-attacks/|title=Video: Office of Hong Kong pro-Beijing lawmaker Junius Ho trashed as dozens protest response to Yuen Long attacks|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=22 July 2019|access-date=19 October 2019|archive-date=2019-07-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722113910/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/video-office-hong-kong-pro-beijing-lawmaker-junius-ho-trashed-dozens-protest-response-yuen-long-attacks/|url-status=live}} and defacing symbols representing China.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/absolutely-intolerable-protesters-beijings-hong-kong-office-hurt-feelings-chinese-people-top-official-says/|title='Absolutely intolerable': Protesters at Beijing's Hong Kong office hurt the feelings of all Chinese people, top official says|last=Roxburgh|first=Helen|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=22 July 2019|access-date=24 November 2019|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134305/https://hongkongfp.com/2019/07/22/absolutely-intolerable-protesters-beijings-hong-kong-office-hurt-feelings-chinese-people-top-official-says/|url-status=live}} The MTR Corporation became a target of vandalism after protesters had accused the railway operator of kowtowing to pressure by Chinese media by closing several stations{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/22/explainer-communist-partys-railway-hong-kongs-respected-mtr-fell-afoul-protesters/|title=Explainer: 'The Communist Party's Railway' – How Hong Kong's once-respected MTR fell afoul of protesters|first=Jennifer|last=Creery|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=22 September 2019|access-date=6 October 2019|archive-date=2019-09-22 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190922031451/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/22/explainer-communist-partys-railway-hong-kongs-respected-mtr-fell-afoul-protesters/|url-status=live}} and not releasing the CCTV footage from the 2019 Prince Edward station incident amid fears that police may have beaten someone to death.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong lawmaker and protesters demand CCTV footage of police storming MTR station |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/09/06/hong-kong-lawmaker-protesters-demand-cctv-footage-police-storming-mtr-station/ |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134232/https://hongkongfp.com/2019/09/06/hong-kong-lawmaker-protesters-demand-cctv-footage-police-storming-mtr-station/ |url-status=live }} Protesters also disrupted traffic by setting up roadblocks,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019845/extradition-bill-protesters-cause-rush-hour-chaos-hong-kong|title=Extradition bill protesters cause rush hour chaos in Hong Kong as they block main MTR rail line in city|first=Rachel|last=Yao|work=South China Morning Post|date=24 July 2019|access-date=24 July 2019|archive-date=2019-07-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724011902/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3019845/extradition-bill-protesters-cause-rush-hour-chaos-hong-kong|url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police deploy tear gas after protesters bring Kowloon to a halt with wildcat road occupations |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/03/hong-kong-police-deploy-tear-gas-protesters-bring-kowloon-halt-wildcat-road-occupations/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=3 August 2019 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190805090619/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/03/hong-kong-police-deploy-tear-gas-protesters-bring-kowloon-halt-wildcat-road-occupations/ |archive-date=5 August 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=4 August 2019 }} damaging traffic lights,{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1487395-20191021.htm|title=Around 100 Yau Tsim Mong traffic lights damaged |work=RTHK |date=21 October 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019 |archive-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021131415/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1487395-20191021.htm|url-status=live}} deflating the tires of buses,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3037434/are-hong-kongs-buses-next-target-protesters-bid-cripple|title=Are Hong Kong's buses the next target in protesters' bid to cripple the city's transport services?|first=Cannix|last=Yau|website=South China Morning Post|date=12 November 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-date=2024-02-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205064352/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3037434/are-hong-kongs-buses-next-target-protesters-bid-cripple|url-status=live}} and throwing objects onto railway tracks.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3037270/hong-kong-plunged-commuter-chaos-protesters-block-roads|title=Hong Kong plunged into commuter chaos as protesters block roads and target rail services – with turmoil expected to continue for another day|first=Cannix|last=Yau|website=South China Morning Post|date=12 November 2019|access-date=19 February 2020|archive-date=2019-11-11 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191111173825/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3037270/hong-kong-plunged-commuter-chaos-protesters-block-roads|url-status=live}} Protesters occasionally intimidated and assaulted mainlanders.{{cite web |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031708/attack-jpmorgan-banker-hong-kong-sparks-outrage-mainland-china |title=Attack on JPMorgan banker in Hong Kong sparks outrage in mainland China |date=5 October 2019 |website=South China Morning Post / Bloomberg |access-date=30 December 2019 |archive-date=2024-03-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306102823/https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3031708/attack-jpmorgan-banker-hong-kong-sparks-outrage-mainland-china |url-status=live }}

Some radical protesters promoted the idea of "mutual destruction" or "phoenixism", these terms being translations of the Cantonese lam chau. They theorised that sanctions against the ruling CCP and the loss of Hong Kong's international finance centre and special trade status (caused by China's interference of the one-country, two systems principle) would destabilise mainland China's economy, and therefore, undermine the rule of the CCP and give Hong Kong a chance to be "reborn" in the future.{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2020/05/patten-opposed-to-burn-with-us-strategy-for-hong-kong/|title=Patten opposed to 'burn with us' strategy for Hong Kong|first=Jeff|last=Pao|work=Asia Times|date=21 May 2020|access-date=31 May 2020|archive-date=2023-12-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202085938/https://asiatimes.com/2020/05/patten-opposed-to-burn-with-us-strategy-for-hong-kong/|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-violence.html|title=In Hong Kong, Unity Between Peaceful and Radical Protesters. For Now.|first=Austin|last=Ramzy|work=The New York Times|date=27 September 2019|access-date=31 May 2020|archive-date=2023-05-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512044324/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/27/world/asia/hong-kong-protests-violence.html|url-status=live}} They believed that further government crackdown would ultimately speed up the process of lam chau, ultimately hurting the regime.{{cite web|date=28 May 2020|title=Analysis: With a new law for Hong Kong, Beijing makes clear sovereignty is its bottom line|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-05-28/china-makes-clear-sovereignty-is-bottom-line-hong-kong-national-security-law|access-date=4 July 2020|website=Los Angeles Times|archive-date=2023-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231206202657/https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2020-05-28/china-makes-clear-sovereignty-is-bottom-line-hong-kong-national-security-law|url-status=live}}

{{Main|Usage of social media in the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

Doxing and cyberbullying were tactics used by both supporters and opponents of the protests. Some protesters used these tactics on police officers and their families and uploaded their personal information online.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/technology/hong-kong-protests-facial-recognition-surveillance.html|title=In Hong Kong Protests, Faces Become Weapons|first=Paul|last=Mozur |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331 |date=26 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726093243/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/07/26/technology/hong-kong-protests-facial-recognition-surveillance.html |archive-date=26 July 2019|url-status=live}} More than 1,000 officers' personal details had been reportedly leaked online, and nine individuals had been arrested. Protest leaders have been attacked after being doxed and intimidated.{{cite news |title=Someone Is Doxing Hong Kong Protesters And Journalists — And China Wants Them To Keep Going |url=https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rosalindadams/hong-kong-doxing-protesters-china-encourage |access-date=4 September 2020 |date=20 September 2019 |work=Buzzfeed News |archive-date=2021-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107115440/https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/rosalindadams/hong-kong-doxing-protesters-china-encourage |url-status=live }} HK Leaks, an anonymous website based in Russia, and promoted by groups linked to the CCP, doxed about 200 people seen as being supportive of the protests. On 25 October 2019, Hong Kong Police obtained a court injunction prohibiting anyone from sharing any personal information about police officers or their families.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/25/hong-kong-police-ask-court-ban-release-personal-information-officers/|title=Hong Kong court orders temporary ban on the release of police officers' personal information|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=25 October 2019|access-date=29 October 2019|archive-date=2019-10-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025072818/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/25/hong-kong-police-ask-court-ban-release-personal-information-officers/|url-status=live}}

Both sides of the protests spread unverified rumours, misinformation and disinformation. This included tactics such as using selective cuts of news footage and creating false narratives.{{cite news |last1=Banjo |first1=Shelly |last2=Lung |first2=Natalie |title=How Fake News and Rumors Are Stoking Division in Hong Kong |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-11/how-fake-news-is-stoking-violence-and-anger-in-hong-kong |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=13 November 2019 |orig-year=11 November 2019 |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191113165513/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-11/how-fake-news-is-stoking-violence-and-anger-in-hong-kong |archive-date=13 November 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Fake news is stoking violence and anger in Hong Kong's continuing protests |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/12/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/fake-news-violence-hong-kong-protests/ |newspaper=The Japan Times |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=17 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117225740/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2019/11/12/asia-pacific/politics-diplomacy-asia-pacific/fake-news-violence-hong-kong-protests/ |archive-date=17 November 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite web |title=Las 'fake news' amplifican el miedo y la confusión en Hong Kong |url=https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/las-fake-news-amplifican-el-miedo-y-la-confusión-en-hong-kong/45380788 |website=SWI swissinfo.ch |date=20 November 2019 |publisher=Swiss Broadcasting Corporation |language=es |access-date=2024-06-10 |archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134256/https://www.swissinfo.ch/spa/las--fake-news--amplifican-el-miedo-y-la-confusi%C3%B3n-en-hong-kong/45380788 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Chan |first1=Esther |last2=Blundy |first2=Rachel |title=Fake news amplifies fear and confusion in Hong Kong |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/21/fake-news-amplifies-fear-confusion-hong-kong/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=21 November 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191122020704/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/21/fake-news-amplifies-fear-confusion-hong-kong/ |archive-date=22 November 2019|url-status=live}} Several deaths, most notably, that of Chan Yin-lam, a 15-year-old girl whom the police suspected had committed suicide, were the subject of a conspiracy theory given the unusual circumstances surrounding her death.{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2019/10/friends-not-convinced-girls-death-was-suicide/|title=Friends not convinced girl's death was suicide|first=Jeff|last=Pao|work=Asia Times|date=19 October 2019|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=2021-10-08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211008200435/https://asiatimes.com/2019/10/friends-not-convinced-girls-death-was-suicide/|url-status=live}} Pro-Beijing camp spread rumour was that the CIA was involved in instigating the protests after photographs of Caucasian men taking part in the protests were shared online.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/11/asia/hong-kong-fake-news-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Hong Kong isn't just battling on the streets: There is also a war on misinformation|first=Jessie|last=Yeung|publisher=CNN|access-date=30 December 2019|archive-date=2021-11-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107115440/https://www.cnn.com/2019/08/11/asia/hong-kong-fake-news-intl-hnk/index.html|url-status=live}} The police blamed fake news for causing public distrust towards law enforcement,{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/03/04/hong-kong-police-chief-blames-distrust-force-fake-news-misunderstandings/|title=Hong Kong police chief blames distrust of force on 'fake news' and 'misunderstandings'|first=Rachel|last=Wong|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=4 March 2020|access-date=16 May 2020|archive-date=2021-07-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210704134233/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/03/04/hong-kong-police-chief-blames-distrust-force-fake-news-misunderstandings/|url-status=live}} though the police itself were also accused by several media outlets and prosecutors of lying to the public.{{cite web |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1478378-20190902.htm |title=Head of prosecutors' group accuses police of lying |work=RTHK |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=5 November 2019 |archive-date=2020-11-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112015901/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1478378-20190902.htm |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/04/stop-police-violence-stop-police-lies-hong-kong-police-axe-press-con-amid-journalists-slient-protest-arrests/|title='Investigate police violence, stop police lies': Hong Kong police axe press con amid journalists' silent protest over arrests|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=4 November 2019|access-date=5 November 2019|archive-date=2019-11-05 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191105033517/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/04/stop-police-violence-stop-police-lies-hong-kong-police-axe-press-con-amid-journalists-slient-protest-arrests/|url-status=live}} Both Twitter and Facebook announced that they had discovered what they described as large-scale disinformation campaigns operating on their social networks to vilify and discredit the protesters.{{cite web |title=Information operations directed at Hong Kong |url=https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2019/information_operations_directed_at_Hong_Kong.html |website=Twitter Safety Blog |access-date=20 August 2019 |date=19 August 2019 |archive-date=2019-09-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915073104/https://blog.twitter.com/en_us/topics/company/2019/information_operations_directed_at_Hong_Kong.html |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last1=Gleicher |first1=Nathaniel |title=Removing Coordinated Inauthentic Behavior From China |url=https://newsroom.fb.com/news/2019/08/removing-cib-china/ |website=Facebook Newsroom |date=19 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}} According to investigations by Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, some attacks were coordinated, state-backed operations that were believed to have been carried out by agents of the Chinese government.{{cite web|first1=Makena|last1=Kelly |access-date=22 August 2019|title=Facebook and Twitter uncover Chinese trolls spreading doubts about Hong Kong protests|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/8/19/20812621/twitter-facebook-china-hong-kong-protests-information-operation-disinfo |date=19 August 2019 |website=The Verge}}

On 13 June 2019, allegations of organised cyberattacks were made against the Chinese government. Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, suggested that the Chinese government may be behind the DDoS attacks on Telegram. Additionally, Durov further tweeted that some of the DDoS attacks coincided with the protest on 12 June 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/13/18677282/telegram-ddos-attack-china-hong-kong-protest-pavel-durov-state-actor-sized-cyberattack|title=Telegram blames China for 'powerful DDoS attack' during Hong Kong protests|first=Jon|last=Porter |work=The Verge |date=13 June 2019 |access-date=5 December 2019}} Another DDoS attack occurred on 31 August; two Chinese websites including Baidu Tieba were involved in the attack.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1700210/hong-kong-protester-site-says-baidu-was-a-vector-in-cyber-attack/|title=A Hong Kong protester site says cyber attacks against it piggy-backed off China's Baidu|first=Jane|last=Li |work=Quartz |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=5 December 2019}}

{{Main|Police misconduct allegations during the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

File:2019-09-15 Hong Kong anti-extradition bill protest 081.jpg truck firing blue-dyed liquid at protesters]]

File:831銅鑼灣 01.jpg canisters on 31 August 2019]]

File:HK police storm Prince Edward station and attack civilians 20190831 11pm.webm and attacked civilians on 31 August 2019.]]

File:People attacked by riot police in Tai Wai 20191003.gif on 3 October 2019.]]

File:Veby Mega Indah 2019.png

{{External media| float = right| width = 230px| video1 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D2AuW6-ZrW4 The 1 October 2019 Tsuen Wan shooting incident] (HKFP)|video2 = [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acYz0ZTAtyE The 11 November 2019 Sai Wan Ho shooting incident] (HKFP)}}

According to polls conducted by the Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute, net approval of the Hong Kong Police Force fell to 22 percent in mid-2019, due to its handling of the protests.{{Cite web|url=https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/hong-kong-police-force-approval-rating-drops-to-22-percent-reason-not-specified/|title=Hong Kong Police Force approval rating nears historic low, reason not specified |date=19 June 2019 |website=Coconuts |access-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190620023302/https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/hong-kong-police-force-approval-rating-drops-to-22-percent-reason-not-specified/ |archive-date=20 June 2019|url-status=live}} At the end of July, 60 percent of respondents in public surveys were dissatisfied with police handling of incidents since June 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://opinion.inquirer.net/124403/hong-kongs-vigorous-opinion-polls|title=Hong Kong's vigorous opinion polls|first=Mahar|last=Mangahas |newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=5 October 2019|access-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191222101117/https://opinion.inquirer.net/124403/hong-kongs-vigorous-opinion-polls |archive-date=22 December 2019|url-status=live}} Nearly 70 percent of Hong Kong citizens believe the police have acted unprofessionally by making indiscriminate arrests and losing self-control.{{Cite web|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20191106-hk-police-have-lost-public-support-survey-finds/|title=HK police have lost public support, survey finds |date=6 November 2019 |website=EJ Insight |access-date=22 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191108115455/http://www.ejinsight.com/20191106-hk-police-have-lost-public-support-survey-finds/ |archive-date=8 November 2019|url-status=live}} Their role and actions have raised questions about their accountability, the manner in which they wielded their physical force, and their crowd control methods. There have also been allegations of lack of consistency of law enforcement whether through deliberate inaction or poor organisation.

Hong Kong police were accused of using excessive and disproportionate force and not following both international safety guidelines and internal protocols while using their weapons.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2019/world/hong-kong-protests-excessive-force/|title=In Hong Kong crackdown, police repeatedly broke their own rules – and faced no consequences|first1=Shibani|last1=Mahtani|first2=Timothy|last2=McLaughlin|first3=Tiffany|last3=Liang|first4=Ryan|last4=Ho Kilpatrick|newspaper=The Washington Post |date=24 December 2019 |access-date=12 January 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.amnesty.org.hk/en/verified-hong-kong-police-violence-against-peaceful-protesters/|title=Verified: Hong Kong Police Violence Against Peaceful Protesters|publisher=Amnesty International|date=21 June 2019|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-date=20 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820011839/https://www.amnesty.org.hk/en/verified-hong-kong-police-violence-against-peaceful-protesters/|url-status=dead}} Amnesty International claimed that, "police aimed horizontally while firing, targeting protesters' heads and torsos". Police use of bean bag rounds and rubber bullets allegedly ruptured the eyes of several protesters and the eye of an Indonesian journalist.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3014356/teacher-prominent-hong-kong-school-among-four-arrested|title=Teacher from well-known Hong Kong school among four arrested in public hospitals after clashes with police at anti-extradition protests|first=Clifford|last=Lo |work=South China Morning Post |date=13 June 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hk01.com/突發/363222/警方記者會-邀爆眼少女錄口供-李桂華-攞口供前唔拘捕 |work=HK01|date=13 August 2019 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:警方記者會】邀爆眼少女錄口供 李桂華﹕攞口供前唔拘捕}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/03/hong-kong-protests-journalist-blinded-in-one-eye-as-attacks-on-media-escalate|title=Hong Kong protests: journalist blinded in one eye amid mounting violence|first=Emma|last=Graham-Harrison |work=The Guardian |date=3 October 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}} Police were found to have been using tear gas as an offensive weapon,{{cite news |last1=Ramzy |first1=Austin |last2=Lai |first2=K.K. Rebecca |title=1,800 Rounds of Tear Gas: Was the Hong Kong Police Response Appropriate? |url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/18/world/asia/hong-kong-tear-gas.html |work=The New York Times |issn=0362-4331 |access-date=23 August 2019 |quote=Gijsbert Heikamp was filming with his cellphone at a protest outside a police station in Tsim Sha Tsui. He was outside the station, standing behind a barrier, when officers began firing tear gas from behind a fence. Two of the canisters went through gaps in the barrier, hitting him in the stomach and on the right arm. |date=18 August 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190818091027/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2019/08/18/world/asia/hong-kong-tear-gas.html |archive-date=18 August 2019 |url-status=live}} firing it indoors inside a railway station, using expired tear gas, which could release toxic gases upon combustion,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/09/hong-kong-reporters-coughed-blood-developed-rashes-tear-gas-exposure-doctors-say/|title=Hong Kong reporters coughed blood and developed rashes after tear gas exposure, doctors say|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}} and firing canisters from high-rise buildings.{{cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-08/falling-tear-gas-canisters-raise-risk-of-hong-kong-protest-death|title=How Tear Gas Became the New Norm on the Streets of Hong Kong|first=Iain|last=Marlow |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |date=8 September 2019 |access-date=11 May 2020}} Between June and November 2019, approximately 10,000 volleys of gas had been fired.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1494810-20191127.htm|title=Over 2,000 tear gas canisters fired in single day |work=RTHK |date=27 November 2019 |access-date=26 December 2019 |archive-date=19 December 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191219145616/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1494810-20191127.htm|url-status=live}} Chemical residues were found on different public facilities in various neighbourhoods.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1479994-20190911.htm|title=Experts warn tear gas residue lingers for weeks |work=RTHK |date=11 September 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019 |archive-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913215141/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1479994-20190911.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190820-why-police-should-limit-the-use-of-tear-gas/|title=Why police should limit the use of tear gas|first=Kenneth Kai-cheong |last=Leung |work=EJ Insight |date=20 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190820140612/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190820-why-police-should-limit-the-use-of-tear-gas/ |archive-date=20 August 2019}}{{efn|The government refused to disclose the chemical composition of the gas, citing "operational concerns".{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=137363&sid=4|title=Kenneth Leung demands answers on risks of 10,000 tear gas rounds |work=The Standard |date=21 November 2019 |access-date=22 November 2019}}}} The use of tear gas sparked public health concerns after a reporter was diagnosed with chloracne in November 2019,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/14/hong-kong-reporter-diagnosed-chloracne-tear-gas-exposure-prompting-public-health-concerns/|title=Hong Kong reporter diagnosed with chloracne after tear gas exposure, prompting public health concerns|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=14 November 2019|access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20191115210403/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/14/hong-kong-reporter-diagnosed-chloracne-tear-gas-exposure-prompting-public-health-concerns/|archive-date=15 November 2019 |url-status=live}} though both the environment department and the health department disputed these claims.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/health-environment/article/3038647/fires-streets-not-tear-gas-blame-dioxins-hong|title=Fires on the streets, not tear gas, to blame for dioxins in Hong Kong air, environment minister says|first=Elizabeth|last=Cheung |website=South China Morning Post |date=20 November 2019 |access-date=18 May 2020}}

Several police operations, in particular in Prince Edward station where the Special Tactical Squad (STS) assaulted commuters on a train, were thought by protesters and pro-democrats to have disregarded public safety.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/01/hong-kong-reels-chaos-3-mtr-stations-remain-closed-police-defend-storming-trains-demos-planned/|title=Hong Kong reels from chaos: 3 MTR stations remain closed, police defend storming trains, more demos planned|first=Elson|last=Tong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=1 September 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/15/hong-kong-democrats-question-police-kettling-tactic-sha-tin-mall-clearance-pro-beijing-side-slams-violence/|title=Hong Kong democrats question police 'kettling' tactic during Sha Tin mall clearance, as pro-Beijing side slams violence|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=15 July 2019|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190721170131/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/15/hong-kong-democrats-question-police-kettling-tactic-sha-tin-mall-clearance-pro-beijing-side-slams-violence/|archive-date=21 July 2019 |url-status=live}} Police were accused of using disproportionate force{{cite news|title=Use of live ammunition is disproportionate: UK|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483721-20191001.htm |access-date=2 October 2019 |work=RTHK |date=1 October 2019 |archive-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002131138/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483721-20191001.htm|url-status=live}} after an officer shot two young protesters with live ammunition in Tsuen Wan and Sai Wan Ho on 1 October 2019 and 11 November 2019, respectively.{{efn|Police defended the officer's actions at the Tsuen Wan incident saying that he and his colleague's lives were at risk as a group of protesters was assaulting another officer at the time.{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |title=Hong Kong police say shooting of 18-year-old at close range was in self-defence |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/01/hong-kong-police-say-shooting-schoolboy-close-range-self-defense/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=1 October 2019 |archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20191001202635/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/01/hong-kong-police-say-shooting-schoolboy-close-range-self-defense/ |archive-date=1 October 2019 |url-status=live |access-date=6 October 2019 }}{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483755-20191002.htm|title=Shooting of teen legal, reasonable: Stephen Lo |work=RTHK |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=2 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191002145924/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483755-20191002.htm|url-status=live}} Protesters argued that the officer shooting the man's chest was unnecessary and that he had other less lethal alternatives available at his disposal.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483884-20191002.htm|title=Police officer intended to kill, say protesters |work=RTHK |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=4 October 2019 |archive-date=3 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003055034/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1483884-20191002.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hong-kong-police-defend-shooting-protester-lawful-reasonable-n1061086|title=Hong Kong police defend shooting protester as 'lawful and reasonable'|first=Veta|last=Chan|publisher=NBC News |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=6 October 2019}} Explaining the Sai Wan Ho incident, police alleged the unarmed young man was trying to grab the officer's service weapon.{{cite news|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/hong-kong-police-shoot-at-protesters-one-man-is-in-emergency-surgery-11573442207|title=Hong Kong Protester Shot by Police as Clashes Escalate|first=Joanne|last=Chiu |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019|url-access=subscription}}}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031161/protester-shot-police-trail-destruction-across-hong-kong|title=Protester shot by police, trail of destruction across Hong Kong, while Beijing celebrates National Day |work=South China Morning Post |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=7 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/breaking-hong-kong-police-shoot-protester-live-round-sai-wan-ho/|title=Hong Kong protester shot by police with live round in critical condition|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=11 November 2019}} An off-duty officer shot and injured a 14-year-old boy in Yuen Long on 4 October 2019 when he was assaulted by protesters who accused him of bumping into people with his car.{{cite web |last1=Chung |first1=Kimmy |last2=Leung |first2=Christy |title=Hong Kong protests: teenage boy who suffered gunshot wound in leg arrested on suspicion of taking part in riots and attacking police officer |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3031706/hong-kong-protests-teenage-boy-who-suffered-gunshot-wound |website=South China Morning Post |date=5 October 2019 |access-date=6 October 2019|url-access=subscription}} The siege of PolyU, which was described as a "humanitarian crisis" by democrats and medics,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/22/hong-kong-university-siege-continues-as-city-prepares-for-election|title=Hong Kong university siege continues as city prepares for election|first=Emma|last=Graham-Harrison |work=The Guardian |date=22 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/11/article/hong-kong-poly-u-siege-a-humanitarian-crisis/|title=Hong Kong Poly U siege a 'humanitarian crisis'|first=Jeff|last=Pao |work=Asia Times |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=18 November 2019}} prompted the Red Cross and Medecins Sans Frontieres to intervene as the wounded protesters trapped inside ran out of supplies and lacked first-aid care.

Police were accused of obstructing first-aid service and emergency services{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/explainer-aggressive-policing-creates-rifts-hong-kongs-civil-service-firefighters-caught-fallout/|title=Explainer: Aggressive policing creates rifts in Hong Kong's civil service, with firefighters caught in fallout|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=11 November 2019|access-date=28 June 2020}} and interfering with the work of medical personnel inside hospitals.{{cite web |title=I'm a doctor in Hong Kong – the police crackdown on protesters has turned even hospitals into war zones |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/hong-kong-protests-national-security-law-hospitals-safety-a9699776.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200902120226/https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/hong-kong-protests-national-security-law-hospitals-safety-a9699776.html |archive-date=2 September 2020 |url-access=limited |url-status=live |first=Paula|last=Li|website=The Independent |date=2 September 2020|access-date=27 September 2020}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong medics disheartened by political pressure in hospitals are planning to leave the city |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/11/29/hong-kong-medics-disheartened-by-political-pressure-in-hospitals-are-planning-to-leave-the-city/ |access-date=29 November 2020 |date=29 November 2020}} The arrest of volunteer medics during the siege of PolyU was condemned by medical professionals.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/23/unheard-civilised-countries-top-medical-journal-blasts-hong-kong-police-treatment-medics-polytechnic-university/|title='Unheard of in civilised countries': Top medical journal blasts Hong Kong police for treatment of medics at Polytechnic University|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=23 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019}} Police were accused of using excessive force on already subdued, compliant arrestees. Videos showed the police kicking an arrestee,{{cite web|url= https://www.hk01.com/突發/357723/728集會-警否認以腳踢示威者頭-沒阻消防救護進入示威範圍 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【728集會】警否認以腳踢示威者頭 沒阻消防救護進入示威範圍 |work=Hong Kong 01 |date=29 July 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019}} pressing one's face against the ground,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/12/video-hong-kong-police-make-bloody-arrest-assisted-officers-suspected-undercover-protesters/|title=Video: Hong Kong police make bloody arrest, assisted by officers suspected to be undercover as protesters|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=12 August 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190813133522/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/12/video-hong-kong-police-make-bloody-arrest-assisted-officers-suspected-undercover-protesters/ |archive-date=13 August 2019|url-status=live}} using one as a human shield,{{cite web|url= https://www.hk01.com/社會新聞/381102/警方記者會-否認被捕者當人盾-江永祥-當時好忙-一心多用 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【警方記者會】否認被捕者當人盾 江永祥：當時好忙、一心多用 |work=Hong Kong 01 |date=30 September 2019 |access-date=2 October 2019}} stomping on a demonstrator's head,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/20/we-couldnt-hesitate-escaping-hong-kongs-university-siege|title='We couldn't hesitate': escaping Hong Kong's university siege|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=20 November 2019 |access-date=26 November 2019}} and pinning a protester's neck to the ground with a knee.{{cite web |date=1 June 2020|title='I couldn't breathe': Hong Kong police say neck restraint used during arrest of schoolgirl was within protocol|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/06/15/i-couldnt-breathe-hong-kong-police-say-neck-restraint-used-during-arrest-of-schoolgirl-was-within-protocol/ |access-date=15 June 2020 |website=Hong Kong Free Press}} Video footage also shows the police beating passers-by, pushing and kicking people who were attempting to mediate the conflict,{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/08/26/natural-reaction-gun-wielding-officer-kick-kneeling-man-hong-kong-police-say/|title='Natural reaction' for gun-wielding officer to kick kneeling man, Hong Kong police say|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=26 August 2019|access-date=7 October 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/02/pictures-hong-kong-police-fire-tear-gas-whampoa-tsim-sha-tsui-mong-kok-disrupting-protest-calm/|title='Don't forget our original intentions': Thousands protest in Kowloon, as Hong Kong police fire tear gas|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=2 December 2019|access-date=7 October 2020}} and tackling minors and pregnant women.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3100586/police-defend-tactics-after-video-officer-tackling-12|title=Police defend tactics after video of officer tackling 12-year-old Hong Kong girl goes viral|first=Chris|last=Lau|work=South China Morning Post|date=7 September 2019|access-date=7 October 2020}}

Protesters reported suffering brain haemorrhage and bone fractures after being violently arrested by the police.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/22/world/hong-kong-police-protests.html|title=Police Dressed as Protesters: How Undercover Police in Hong Kong Severely Injured People|first=Barbara|last=Marcolini |work=The New York Times |date=22 September 2019 |access-date=12 January 2020}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police ignore request from lawmakers to visit controversial San Uk Ling detention centre |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/09/10/hong-kong-police-ignore-request-lawmakers-visit-controversial-san-uk-ling-detention-centre/ |access-date=5 September 2020 |date=10 September 2019}} Amnesty International stated that police had used "retaliatory violence" against protesters and mistreated and tortured some detainees. Detainees reported being forced to inhale tear gas, and being beaten and threatened by officers. Police officers shined laser lights directly into one detainee's eyes.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-amnesty/amnesty-accuses-hong-kong-police-of-arbitrary-arrests-torture-idUSKBN1W42C3|title=Amnesty accuses Hong Kong police of abuses, torture of protesters|work=Reuters |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190920121411/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-amnesty/amnesty-accuses-hong-kong-police-of-arbitrary-arrests-torture-idUSKBN1W42C3 |archive-date=20 September 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190829-detained-protesters-not-being-mistreated-police-say/|title=Detained protesters not being mistreated, police say |work=EJ Insight |date=29 August 2019 |access-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190829185219/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190829-detained-protesters-not-being-mistreated-police-say/ |archive-date=29 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/20/broken-bones-internal-bleeding-hong-kong-police-used-reckless-indiscriminate-tactics-protests-says-amnesty/|title=Broken bones, internal bleeding: Hong Kong police used 'reckless, indiscriminate' tactics during protests, says Amnesty|first=Jennifer|last=Creery |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=1 January 2020}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong democracy group files complaint to U.N. over alleged abuse |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-detention/hong-kong-democracy-group-files-complaint-to-un-over-alleged-abuse-idUSKBN23918B |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=2 June 2020}} The police were accused of using sexual violence on female protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3024789/thousands-gather-metoo-rally-demand-hong-kong-police-answer |title=Thousands gather at #MeToo rally to demand Hong Kong police answer accusations of sexual violence against protesters|first=Raquel|last=Carvalho |website=South China Morning Post |date=28 August 2019 |access-date=29 August 2019}} A female alleged that she was gang raped inside Tsuen Wan police station, while the police reported that their investigation did not align with her accusation,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3037063/hong-kong-teenager-has-abortion-following-allegations|title=Hong Kong teenager has abortion following allegations she was gang-raped in police station, but force says investigation shows inconsistencies|first=Christy|last=Leung |work=South China Morning Post |date=10 November 2019 |access-date=10 November 2019}} and later announced plans to arrest her on suspicion of providing false information.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong woman who accused officers of gang rape defends claim after police chief says she must be arrested for lying |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/13/hong-kong-woman-who-accused-officers-of-gang-rape-defends-claim-after-police-chief-says-she-must-be-arrested-for-lying/ |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=13 May 2020}} Some detainees reported police had denied them access to lawyers and delayed their access to medical services.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/15/arrested-protesters-accuse-police-ill-treatment-detention-denial-access-lawyers/|title=Arrested protesters accuse police of ill-treatment in detention and denial of access to lawyers|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=15 August 2019 |access-date=4 September 2019}} Many of these allegations were believed to have taken place in San Uk Ling Holding Centre.{{Cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3030709/why-hong-kong-police-stopped-sending-anti-government|title=Why Hong Kong police stopped sending anti-government protesters to the remote and controversial San Uk Ling Holding Centre|first=Christy|last=Leung|date=27 September 2019 |work=South China Morning Post|access-date=30 November 2020}}

The kettling of protesters,{{cite news |title=Strong, peaceful turnout to mark June 12 clashes |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1497385-20191212.htm |access-date=6 September 2020 |date=12 December 2019}} the firing of pepper ball rounds at protesters at near point-blank range,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/01/hong-kong-police-breached-internal-manufacturer-guidelines-improperly-firing-projectiles/|title=Hong Kong police breached internal and manufacturer guidelines by improperly firing projectiles |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=1 September 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019}} driving dangerously were also sources of controversy. A police officer was suspended after he hit one protester with a motorcycle and dragged him on 11 November 2019.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police suspend motorcycle officer who drove into protesters|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/hong-kong-police-suspend-motorcycle-officer-drove-protesters/|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong protests: man shot by police and burns victim in critical condition|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/11/hong-kong-police-shoot-demonstrator-during-morning-rush-hour|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019}} He was later reinstated while the investigation continued.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong cop who drove motorbike into protesters back on active duty as police chief rejects inquiry calls |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/01/hong-kong-cop-drove-motorbike-protesters-back-active-duty-police-chief-rejects-inquiry-calls/ |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=1 December 2019}} A police van suddenly accelerated into a crowd of protesters, causing a stampede as STS officers exiting from the van chased protesters in Yau Ma Tei on 18 November 2019. Police defended the latter action as an appropriate response by well-trained officers to attacks by protesters, and that "[driving] fast doesn't mean it is unsafe".{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/19/hong-kong-police-accused-driving-vehicles-protesters-clearance-operation/|title=Hong Kong police accused of driving vehicles into protesters during clearance operation|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=19 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20191130034057/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/19/hong-kong-police-accused-driving-vehicles-protesters-clearance-operation/ |archive-date=30 November 2019|url-status=live}}

Some police officers did not wear uniforms with identification numbers or failed to display their warrant cards,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/21/hong-kong-activists-complain-police-failed-display-id-numbers-security-chief-says-uniform-no-room/|title=Hong Kong activists complain police failed to display ID numbers, as security chief says uniform has 'no room'|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=21 June 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3017775/hong-kong-police-accused-provoking-protesters-and|title=Hong Kong police accused of provoking protesters and failing to wear ID during Mong Kok chaos after extradition bill march|first=Phila|last=Siu |website=South China Morning Post |date=8 July 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}} making it difficult for citizens to file complaints. The government explained in June 2019 that there was not enough space on the uniforms to accommodate identification numbers. In June 2020, the appearance of various decorations on uniforms caused this explanation to be doubted.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/06/29/hong-kong-officers-wearing-unofficial-uniform-adornments-understandable-and-help-boost-morale-say-police/|title=Hong Kong officers wearing unofficial uniform adornments 'understandable' and help 'boost morale,' say police|first=Kelly|last=Ho|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=29 June 2020|access-date=7 October 2020}} The court ruled in November 2020 that the police had breached the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance by hiding or not displaying their identification number.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/3110749/judge-rules-against-police-who-did-not-show|title=Judge rules against police who did not show identification during Hong Kong protests|work=South China Morning Post|date=20 November 2020|access-date=25 November 2020}} In late 2019 the government introduced "call signs" to replace warrant cards, but it was found that officers shared call signs.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1499780-20191227.htm|title=Multiple officers wear same 'unique' call signs|work=RTHK|date=27 December 2019|access-date=7 October 2020}}

The police have also repeatedly interfered with the justice process. They have been suspected of tampering with evidence,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022592/former-member-hong-kong-police-watchdog-suggests-officers|title=Hong Kong police deny planting evidence and say protesters dropped sticks during course of arrest|first=Chris|last=Lau |website=South China Morning Post |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=15 August 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/08/hong-kong-student-leader-arrested-laser-pointers-freed-protesters-challenge-police-safety-tear-gas-rubber-bullets/|title=Hong Kong student leader arrested over laser pointers freed, as protesters challenge police over safety of tear gas, rubber bullets|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=8 August 2019|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190808204442/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/08/hong-kong-student-leader-arrested-laser-pointers-freed-protesters-challenge-police-safety-tear-gas-rubber-bullets/|archive-date=8 August 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |title=Man arrested for 831 Prince Edward police raid fled Hong Kong after charges multiply |url=https://hk.appledaily.com/us/20200831/M2H7ITOLYJHU3KVJSEBG5Y3TVU/ |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=31 August 2020 }}{{Dead link|date=June 2021 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} giving false testimony before court,{{cite news |title=Officers told lie after lie in assault case |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1543300-20200812.htm |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=12 August 2020}} and coercing false confessions from arrestees.{{cite news |title=Court acquits Hong Kong man accused of pushing policeman during protests |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3092224/court-acquits-hong-kong-man-accused-pushing-policeman |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=7 July 2020}} The deployment of undercover officers who were suspected of committing arson and vandalism also generated controversy, and the ability of police officers to identify the differences between ordinary protesters and undercover officers was questioned.{{cite journal|url=https://www.thenation.com/article/hong-kong-conspiracies/|title=In a Vacuum of Trust, Conspiracies Take Root in Hong Kong|first=Benjamin|last=Haas|journal=The Nation|date=9 December 2019|access-date=14 January 2020|archive-date=2020-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200114033424/https://www.thenation.com/article/hong-kong-conspiracies/|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1478096-20190901.htm|title=Warning shots right and reasonable, say police |work=RTHK |date=1 September 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019 |archive-date=1 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190901042914/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1478096-20190901.htm|url-status=live}} A police officer was arrested in April 2020 for perverting the course of justice after he allegedly instructed a teen to throw petrol bombs at a police station he works at.{{efn|The teen was arrested before any petrol bomb was thrown.}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3080778/policeman-suspected-perverting-course-justice-over-arrest|title=Hong Kong policeman suspected of perverting course of justice over 'arrest of man with petrol bombs'|first=Tony|last=Cheung |work=South China Morning Post |date=20 April 2020 |access-date=21 April 2020}}

Some uniformed officers used foul language to harass and humiliate protesters and journalists{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1647631/extradition-law-hong-kong-protests-deploy-cantonese-as-satire-tool/|title=Cantonese is Hong Kong protesters' power tool of satire and identity|first=Marry|last=Hui |work=Quartz |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019}} and provoked protesters.{{cite web |url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/breaking/realtime/article/20190708/59799355 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【引渡惡法】警方唔克制驅散示威者：認X住我呀！隻揪呀！ |date=8 July 2019 |website=Apple Daily |access-date=8 July 2019 |archive-date=7 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190707173932/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/breaking/realtime/article/20190708/59799355 |url-status=dead }} The slur "cockroach"—whose dehumanising qualities have been recognised in the social sciences and psychology—was used frequently by frontline officers to insult protesters; some officers sought to counter this development,{{cite news |title=Can the term 'cockroach' actually be a compliment for Hong Kong protesters? Officers from police's public relations unit contradict each other on pesky issue |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3043306/can-term-cockroach-actually-be-compliment-hong-kong |access-date=29 October 2020}} and suggested that in several instances, verbal abuse by protesters may have led officers to use the term.{{cite news |last1=Mahtani |first1=Shibani |last2=McLaughlin |first2=Timothy |title='Dogs' vs. 'cockroaches': On Hong Kong streets, insults take a dangerous turn |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dogs-vs-cockroaches-on-hong-kong-streets-language-of-genocide-rears-its-head/2019/11/04/32498608-fea7-11e9-8341-cc3dce52e7de_story.html |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=5 November 2019 |date=4 November 2019}} An officer was reprimanded by his superiors for shouting derisive comments to protesters about the death of Chow Tsz-lok.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong protests: police officer reprimanded after he was filmed saying he would celebrate student Chow Tsz-lok's death 'with champagne' |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037087/hong-kong-protests-police-officer-reprimanded-after-he-was |first=Tony|last=Cheung|work=South China Morning Post |date=10 November 2019}} Police described a man wearing a yellow vest who was taken to an alley, surrounded by police officers, and apparently physically abused by one of them, as a "yellow object".{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=211952|title=Police say kick was at 'yellow object'|first=Stella|last=Wong |work=The Standard |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=25 September 2019}}

Police were also accused of spreading a climate of fear{{cite web|url=https://www.france24.com/en/20190901-hong-kong-police-protest-democracy-water-cannons-france-china-carrie-lam|title=How Hong Kong protesters' tactics have evolved alongside those of police|first=Colin|last=Kinniburgh|publisher=France 24 |date=1 September 2019 |access-date=19 February 2020}} by conducting hospital arrests,{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1474826-20190815.htm|title=-Injured civilians and medics face 'white terror' |work=RTHK |date=15 August 2019 |access-date=6 September 2019 |archive-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906142739/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1474826-20190815.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/27/broken-bones-blisters-bruises-hong-kong-underground-clinic-volunteers-grapple-influx-protest-injuries/|title=Broken bones, blisters and bruises: Hong Kong underground clinic volunteers grapple with influx of protest injuries|first=Jennifer|last=Creery |date=27 October 2019}} attacking protesters while undercover,{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police arrest 15 in fresh shopping mall protests |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/28/hong-kong-police-arrest-15-fresh-shopping-mall-protests/ |access-date=5 September 2020 |date=28 December 2019}} arresting people arbitrarily,{{cite news |title=Video: Hong Kong police accidentally apprehend undercover officers during Boxing Day mall protest |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/27/video-hong-kong-police-accidentally-apprehend-undercover-officers-boxing-day-mall-protest/ |access-date=5 September 2020 |date=27 December 2019}} targeting youngsters,{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2019-09-27/its-a-crime-to-be-young-in-hong-kong-protest-children-separated-from-their-families-go-on-trial|title='Being young is a crime' in Hong Kong: Police arrest students and teenagers|first=Alice|last=Su |work=Los Angeles Times |date=27 September 2019 |access-date=5 April 2020}} banning requests for demonstrations,{{cite news|url=https://news.mingpao.com/pns/要聞/article/20190820/s00001/1566238648561/警兩月8發反對通知書-民間記者會-港人權利倒退內地水平|script-title=zh:警兩月8發反對通知書 民間記者會：港人權利倒退內地水平|work=Ming Pao|date=20 August 2019|access-date=20 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915074616/https://news.mingpao.com/pns/%E8%A6%81%E8%81%9E/article/20190820/s00001/1566238648561/%E8%AD%A6%E5%85%A9%E6%9C%888%E7%99%BC%E5%8F%8D%E5%B0%8D%E9%80%9A%E7%9F%A5%E6%9B%B8-%E6%B0%91%E9%96%93%E8%A8%98%E8%80%85%E6%9C%83-%E6%B8%AF%E4%BA%BA%E6%AC%8A%E5%88%A9%E5%80%92%E9%80%80%E5%85%A7%E5%9C%B0%E6%B0%B4%E5%B9%B3|archive-date=15 September 2019|language=zh|url-status=live}} and arresting high-profile activists and lawmakers.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global/video/2019/aug/30/arrests-of-high-profile-hong-kong-activists-a-bid-to-spread-white-terror-video|title=Arrests of high-profile Hong Kong activists a bid to spread 'white terror' – video |work=The Guardian |date=30 August 2019 |access-date=1 September 2019}} During the pandemic period, it has also used the law banning groups of 4 to further ban peaceful protests.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1829892/hong-kong-police-use-coronavirus-rules-to-limit-protests/|title=Hong Kong police are using coronavirus restrictions to clamp down on protesters|first=Mary|last=Hui|work=Quartz|date=1 April 2020|access-date=21 May 2020}} However, the police were accused of applying double standards by showing leniency towards violent counter-protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/16/hong-kong-police-deny-double-standards-accusations-leniency-towards-anti-protester-mob/|title=Hong Kong police deny 'double standards' after accusations of leniency towards anti-protester mob|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=16 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}} It has also failed to fulfill its duty to protect the protesters. Their slow response and inaction during the Yuen Long attack sparked accusations they had colluded with the attackers.{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police admit plainclothes officers were present in Yuen Long before mob attack |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/16/hong-kong-police-admit-plainclothes-officers-were-present-in-yuen-long-before-mob-attack/ |access-date=4 September 2020 |date=16 July 2020}}

{{multiple image|caption_align=center|header_align=center

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| image1 = Stephen Lo Wai-chung 2015.jpg

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| footer = Police Commissioner Stephen Lo (left) and his successor Chris Tang (right) rejected the formation of an independent committee to investigate police brutality.

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Police modified the Police General Orders by removing the sentence "officers will be accountable for their own actions" ahead of the 1 October 2019 confrontation. Police sources of the Washington Post have said that a culture of impunity pervades the police force, such that riot police often disregarded their training or became dishonest in official reports to justify excessive force. Police officers who felt that their actions were not justified were marginalised.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/oct/29/hong-kongs-reluctant-policeman-its-not-for-us-to-deliver-punishment|title=Hong Kong's reluctant police officer: 'It's not for us to deliver punishment'|first=Verna|last=Yuen |work=The Guardian |date=29 October 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}} Police commanders reportedly ignored the wrongdoings and the unlawful behaviours of frontline riot police and refused to use any disciplinary measures to avoid upsetting them. Lam's administration also denied police wrongdoings and backed the police multiple times.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1503105-20200116.htm|title=Police brutality doesn't exist in HK: Carrie Lam |work=RTHK |date=26 January 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}} As of December 2019, no officer had been suspended for their actions or charged or prosecuted over protest-related actions. When the District Councils were passing motions to condemn police violence, police commissioner Chris Tang and other civil servants walked out in protest.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3046610/civil-servants-walkout-over-motion-condemning-hong-kong|title=Civil servant's walkout over motion condemning Hong Kong police chief at district council meeting prompts official complaint from pro-democracy group|first=Kimmy|last=Chung |work=South China Morning Post |date=17 January 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}}

The Independent Police Complaints Council (IPCC) launched investigations into alleged incidents of police misconduct during the protests. Protesters demanded an independent commission of inquiry instead, as the members of the IPCC are mainly pro-establishment and it lacks the power to investigate, make definitive judgements, and hand out penalties.{{cite news|first=Kris|last=Cheng|title=Hong Kong's independent police watchdog to investigate protest complaints, but lacks legal power to summon witnesses|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/04/hong-kongs-independent-police-watchdog-investigate-protest-complaints-lacks-legal-power-summon-witnesses/ |work=HKFP}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190822-independent-inquiry-still-an-option-for-carrie-lam/|title=Independent inquiry still an option for Carrie Lam|first=Kam-yin|last=Yu |work=EJ Insight |date=22 August 2019 |access-date=23 August 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190822150024/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190822-independent-inquiry-still-an-option-for-carrie-lam/ |archive-date=22 August 2019}} Despite calls from both local{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/07/24/34-ex-hong-kong-officials-legislators-make-second-appeal-investigation-extradition-bill-saga/|title=34 ex-Hong Kong officials and legislators make second appeal for investigation into extradition bill saga|first=Elson|last=Tong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=24 July 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}} and international opinion leaders, Carrie Lam and both police commissioners Stephen Lo and his successor from 19 November 2019, Chris Tang rejected the formation of an independent committee.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/24/explainer-hong-kongs-five-demands-independent-investigation-police-behaviour/|title=Explainer: Hong Kong's Five Demands – an independent investigation into police behaviour|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=24 December 2019 |access-date=2 May 2020}} Lam insisted that the IPCC was able to fulfill the task,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3025948/hong-kong-protests-carrie-lam-has-ruled-out-commission/|title=Hong Kong protests: Carrie Lam has ruled out commission of inquiry into police actions, so what can replace it and will it work?|first1=Chris|last1=Lau|first2=Alvin|last2=Lum |work=South China Morning Post |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=31 October 2019}} while Tang called the formation of such a committee an "injustice" and a "tool for inciting hatred" against the force.

On 8 November 2019, a five-member expert panel headed by Sir Denis O'Connor and appointed by Lam in September 2019 to advise the IPCC, concluded that the police watchdog lacked the "powers, capacity and independent investigative capability necessary" to fulfill its role as a police watchdog group and suggested the formation of an independent commission of inquiry given the current protest situation.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=136821&sid=4|title=Police watchdog unequipped to investigate recent unrest: overseas experts |work=The Standard |date=10 November 2019 |access-date=10 November 2019}} After negotiations to increase the IPCC's powers fell through, the five panel members quit on 11 December 2019.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1497054-20191211.htm|title=Overseas experts to quit police watchdog panel |work=RTHK |date=12 November 2019 |access-date=13 December 2019}} The IPCC report on police behaviour during the protests released in May 2020 concluded that police has mostly followed the guidelines though there was room for improvement.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/15/in-full-hong-kong-police-watchdog-releases-report-on-protest-conduct-but-no-evidence-of-yuen-long-mob-attack-collusion/|title=Hong Kong police watchdog clears force of misconduct citing online 'propaganda', but says 'room for improvement'|first=Tom|last=Grundy |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=15 May 2020 |access-date=16 May 2020}} While government officials called the report "comprehensive", democrats and human rights organisations were unanimous in declaring it a whitewash of police misdeeds.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/15/absurd-preposterous-whitewash-reactions-pour-in-as-hong-kong-police-watchdog-clears-force-of-wrongdoing/|title='Absurd, preposterous, whitewash': Reactions pour in as Hong Kong police watchdog clears force of wrongdoing|first=Rachel|last=Wong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=15 May 2020 |access-date=16 May 2020}} One of the expert panel members, Clifford Stott, said in June 2020 that the police had misjudged the dynamics of the protests and had used disproportionate force at almost all protests, thus creating more disorder than it prevented.{{Cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1531535-20200611.htm?|title=Ex-IPCC panel adviser says he felt 'manipulated' – RTHK|publisher=RTHK}} A report co-authored by Stott, published in November 2020, saw the "absence of any credible system of accountability for the police" as one major reason for why the protests became more radical.

File:立場新聞記者被襲擊一刻.gif journalist Gwyneth Ho was attacked by a stick-wielding man during the Yuen Long attack on 21 July 2019.]]

File:DSCF0444 (48993402288).jpg, Central on 31 October 2019. Police were accused of obstructing reporters from taking photographs by shining flashlights at them.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1736570/hong-kong-journalists-took-over-a-police-news-conference-in-protest/|title=Hong Kong journalists took over a police news conference in protest|first=Mary|last=Hui |work=Quartz |date=28 October 2019 |access-date=11 November 2019}}]]

The protests received significant press attention. Nathan Ruser from ASPI identified the protests as the most live-streamed social unrest in history. He suggested that unlike other protests, the widespread use of livestreaming technology in the Hong Kong protests meant that there was "almost parity when it comes to what [one] can learn remotely researching it to actually being there".{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1737197/hong-kong-protests-are-most-live-streamed-ever/|title=The Hong Kong protests are the most live-streamed protests ever|first=Mary|last=Hui |work=Quartz |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=20 May 2020}}

Many of Hong Kong's media outlets are owned by local tycoons who have significant business ties in the mainland, so many of them adopt self-censorship at some level and have mostly maintained a conservative editorial line in their coverage of the protests. The management of some firms have forced journalists to change their headline to sound less sympathetic to the protest movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.dw.com/en/hong-kong-media-succumbing-to-chinese-pressure/a-50797702|title=Hong Kong media succumbing to Chinese pressure|first=William|last=Yang|publisher=Deutsche Welle |date=11 October 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}} A report by BBC suggested that the management of local terrestrial broadcaster Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB) had forced employees to include more voices supporting the government and highlight the aggressive actions of the protesters, without including segments focusing on the responses from the protesters or the democrats.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/zhongwen/trad/chinese-news-49001797|title=香港TVB、有線新聞、Now 電視台報道「反送中」抗議的細微差別背後 |publisher=BBC |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=20 May 2020}} Journalists from South China Morning Post, which was acquired by the Chinese Alibaba Group in 2016, had their news pieces significantly altered by senior editors to include a pro-government viewpoint before they were published.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2020/08/scmp-hong-kong-china-media/614719/|title=A Newsroom at the Edge of Autocracy|first=Timothy|last=McLaughlin|work=The Atlantic|date=1 August 2020|access-date=3 August 2020}} TVB and local news outlet HK01 were accused of pro-government bias, and protesters have physically assaulted their news crews and damaged their equipment and vehicles.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/01/hong-kong-court-refuses-broadcaster-tvbs-injunction-bid-assaulting-staff-property-damage/|title=Hong Kong court refuses broadcaster TVB's bid for injunction against staff assaults and property damage|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3037033/attack-cameraman-hong-kong-protesters-condemned-citys-media|title=Attack on cameraman by Hong Kong protesters condemned by city's media groups |first=Kimmy|last=Chung|date=9 November 2019 |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=30 November 2020}} Protesters also placed political pressure on various corporations, urging them to stop placing advertisements on TVB.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3018074/pocari-sweat-among-big-brand-advertisers-reportedly-fleeing|title=Pocari Sweat among big brand advertisers ditching Hong Kong broadcaster TVB over claims its extradition bill protest coverage was biased|last=Sum|first=Lok-kei |work=South China Morning Post |date=10 July 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}}

On the other hand, Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK), a public broadcasting service, faced criticisms of bias in favour of the protest movement. Its critics have surrounded the headquarters of RTHK and assaulted its reporters.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3024225/government-supporters-target-journalists-protest-outside|title=Hong Kong government supporters' protest targets 'biased' journalists at public broadcaster RTHK's headquarters|first=Zoe|last=Low |work=South China Morning Post |date=24 August 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020|url-access=subscription}} RTHK also faced political pressure from the police directly: police commissioner Chris Tang filed complaints to RTHK against the satirical TV show Headliner and opinion program Pentaprism for "insulting the police" and "spreading hate speech" respectively.{{efn|Headliner had a segment that poked fun at the police. This forced the broadcaster to suspend the airing of the segment and the production of future seasons.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/19/hong-kong-public-broadcaster-axes-satirical-show-hours-after-govt-demands-apology-for-insulting-police/|title=Hong Kong public broadcaster suspends satirical show hours after gov't demands apology for 'insulting' police|first=Tom|last=Grundy |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=19 May 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}} An episode from Pentaprism features a lecturer from The Education University of Hong Kong (EdU) who described the Siege of PolyU as a "humanitarian crisis" and compared it to the Tiananmen Square crackdown. The broadcaster was issued with a "serious warning" in April 2020.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1521689-20200420.htm|title=RTHK given 'serious warning' over police comments |publisher=RTHK |date=20 April 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}}}} The police were criticised by journalists and democrats for interfering with press freedom.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/142234/Activists-deplore-police-chief-for-targeting-satirical-show|title=Activists deplore police chief for targeting satirical show |work=The Standard |date=20 February 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}} In response to around 200 complaints received by the Communications Authority, RTHK apologised "to any police officers or others who have been offended" and cancelled Headliner in May 2020, ending its 21-year run.{{cite news |title=RTHK apologises, will halt production of 'Headliner' |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1527100-20200519.htm |publisher=RTHK |date=19 May 2020}} RTHK journalist Nabela Qoser, known for her blunt questioning of government officials at press conferences, was subjected to racist abuse online by pro-Beijing groups, prompting a statement of "grave concern" from the Equal Opportunities Commission.{{cite web |title=Equality watchdog slams online slurs aimed at local journalist of South Asian descent |url=https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/equalities-watchdog-urges-people-to-stop-online-racial-abuse-of-rthk-journalist/ |publisher=Coconuts Hong Kong |date=22 January 2020}}{{cite web |title=EOC Opposes All Forms of Online Bullying and Discrimination |url=https://www.eoc.org.hk/eoc/GraphicsFolder/ShowContent.aspx?ItemID=16446 |publisher=Equal Opportunities Commission |date=21 January 2020 |access-date=2 June 2022 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026205319/https://www.eoc.org.hk/eoc/GraphicsFolder/ShowContent.aspx?ItemID=16446 |url-status=dead }} She also had her probation period at RTHK extended.{{cite news |last1=Mok |first1=Danny |title=RTHK seeks to extend probation period of Hong Kong journalist known for hard-nosed questions to public officials, sources say |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3103263/rthk-seeks-extend-probation-period-hong-kong-journalist |work=South China Morning Post|date=27 September 2020}}

Journalists encountered interference and obstruction from the police in their reporting activities.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1511979-20200302.htm|title=HKJA urges police chief to order an end to abuse |publisher=RTHK |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}} Police frequently used flashlights against reporters, shining light at cameras to avoid them being filmed or photographed; journalists also reported frequently being harassed, searched,{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1505138-20200127.htm|title=HKJA condemns police 'sex assault', arrest threats |publisher=RTHK |date=27 January 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}}{{cite news |title=HKJA urges police chief to live up to his word |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1528683-20200527.htm |access-date=5 September 2020 |date=27 May 2020 |publisher=RTHK}} and insulted. In some cases, despite identifying themselves, they were jostled, subdued, pepper-sprayed, or violently detained by the police.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/07/08/hong-kong-press-watchdogs-condemn-police-insults-malicious-jostling-journalists-protest-clearance/|title=Hong Kong press watchdogs condemn police over insults, 'malicious jostling' of journalists during protest clearance|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=8 July 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/03/10/hong-kong-police-apologise-for-treatment-of-reporter-as-watchdog-urges-action-to-protect-press-freedom/|title=Hong Kong police apologise for treatment of reporter as watchdog urges action to protect press freedom|first=Rachel|last=Wong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=10 March 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong police chief admits 'undesirable' treatment of press at protest |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/05/12/hong-kong-police-chief-admits-undesirable-treatment-of-press-at-protest/ |access-date=4 September 2020 |date=12 May 2020 |work=Hong Kong Free Press}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong's Now TV says driver was struck by police projectile, detained and beaten inside station |url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/10/14/hong-kongs-now-tv-says-driver-struck-police-projectile-detained-beaten-inside-station/ |access-date=4 September 2020 |date=14 October 2019 |work=Hong Kong Free Press}} Several female reporters complained about being sexually harassed by police officers. Journalists were also caught in the crossfire of protests:{{cite news |title=Cops draw fire for targeting journalists with water cannon |url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/4/220548/Cops-draw-fire-for-targeting-journalists-with-water-cannon |access-date=29 October 2020 |work=The Standard}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong protests: how a Post journalist was hit by projectile during police operation |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3035252/hong-kong-protests-how-post-journalist-was-hit-projectile |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=29 October 2020}} Indonesian journalist Veby Mega Indah of Suara was blinded by a rubber bullet;{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3032644/lawyer-indonesian-journalist-shot-eye-mulls-legal-action|title=Lawyer of Indonesian journalist shot in the eye mulls legal action against Hong Kong police over 'failure' to bring guilty to book|first=Chris|last=Lau |work=South China Morning Post |date=12 October 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020}} a reporter from RTHK suffered burns after he was hit by a petrol bomb.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1484641-20191006.htm|title=RTHK condemns violence after reporter suffers burn |publisher=RTHK |date=6 October 2019 |access-date=7 December 2019}} Student journalists were also targeted and attacked by police.{{cite news |title=Police knelt on the neck of a student journalist during protest |url=https://hk.appledaily.com/us/20200813/F3H4PH2BHZHBJEQMOOF62OUMJI/ |work=Apple Daily |access-date=3 September 2020 |date=13 August 2020 |archive-date=17 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200817134107/https://hk.appledaily.com/us/20200813/F3H4PH2BHZHBJEQMOOF62OUMJI/ |url-status=dead }}

Police raided the headquarters of pro-democratic newspaper Apple Daily and searched its editorial and reporters' areas on 10 August 2020. During the operation, reporters from several major news outlets were rejected from entering cordoned-off areas where a scheduled press briefing was held. Police stated that media who were "unprofessional", or had been reporting in the past in a manner considered by police as biased against the force, would be denied access to such briefings in the future.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/11/apple-daily-raid-hong-kong-police-defend-decision-to-give-only-trusted-media-access-to-ground-operations/|title=Apple Daily raid: Hong Kong police defend decision to give only 'trusted media' access to ground operations|first=Rachel|last=Wong|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=11 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3096825/hong-kong-police-scheme-give-only-trusted-media-access|title=Hong Kong police scheme to give only 'trusted media' access to cordoned off areas draws press backlash|first=Phila|last=Siu|work=South China Morning Post|date=11 August 2020|access-date=12 August 2020}} In September 2020, the police further limited press freedom by narrowing the definition of "media representatives", meaning that student reporters and freelancers would have to face more risks when they are reporting.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3102527/who-qualifies-media-hong-kong-police-revising|title=Hong Kong police limit access to press briefings to news outlets recognised by government, sparking concern and criticism from media groups|first=Christy|last=Leung|work=South China Morning Post|date=22 September 2020|access-date=7 October 2020}}

Hong Kong's fall by seven places to 80th in the World Press Freedom Index was attributed by Reporters without Borders to the policy of violence against journalists. When the Press Freedom Index was established in 2002, Hong Kong had ranked 18th.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/4/146050/HK-slips-in-press-freedom-rankings|title=HK slips in press freedom rankings |date=21 April 2020 |access-date=20 May 2020 |work=The Standard}} Following the passing of the national security law, The New York Times announced that it would relocate its digital team's office to Seoul, as the law has "unsettled news organisations and created uncertainty about the city's prospects as a hub for journalism in Asia".{{cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/07/14/business/media/new-york-times-hong-kong.html|title=New York Times Will Move Part of Hong Kong Office to Seoul|first=Michael|last=Grynbaum|work=The New York Times|date=14 July 2020|access-date=3 August 2020}} The Immigration Department also started declining work visas for foreign journalists, including those working for New York Times and local outlet Hong Kong Free Press.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/08/27/visas-weaponised-govt-denies-hong-kong-free-press-editor-a-work-visa-without-explanation-after-6-month-wait/|title=Visas 'weaponised': Gov't denies Hong Kong Free Press editor a work visa, without explanation, after 6-month wait|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=27 August 2020|access-date=27 August 2020}}

{{Further|Yellow economic circle}}

File:Hong Kong IMG 20190726 161256 (48379850001).jpg on 26 July 2019]]

Official statistics showed that Hong Kong had slipped into recession as its economy had shrunk in the second and third quarters of 2019.{{cite web|url=https://www.businessinsider.de/international/hong-kong-recession-protests-damage-retail-tourism-2019-10/|title=Hong Kong to enter recession after protests destroyed retailers and brought the city's tourist industry to its knees|first=Sahar |last=Esfandiari |work=Business Insider |date=29 October 2019 |access-date=7 March 2020}} Retail sales declined and consumer spending decreased.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3017580/political-unrest-hitting-hong-kong-where-it-hurts|title=Hong Kong protests hit city where it hurts – in the wallet|first=Denise|last=Tsang |work=South China Morning Post |date=8 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} Some restaurants saw their customers cancel bookings, and certain banks and shops were forced to close their doors. Some supply chains were disrupted because of the protests. Lower consumer spending caused several luxury brands to delay shop openings, while other brands quit.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3038400/chanel-rimowa-delay-new-stores-prada-moving-out-sales|title=Chanel, Rimowa delay new stores, Prada moving out, sales plummet at Moncler, Gucci – will Hong Kong become city of 'ghost malls'?|first=Vincenzo|last=La Torre |website=South China Morning Post |date=20 November 2019 |access-date=19 February 2020}} While some hawkers protested about declining sales,{{Cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1468634-20190716.htm|title=Hawkers say protests are hitting their income|publisher=RTHK |archive-date=17 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717153315/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1468634-20190716.htm|url-status=live |date=16 July 2019 |access-date=17 July 2019}} some shops prospered as nearby protesters bought food and other commodities.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3014240/mixed-fortunes-businesses-hong-kong-anti|title=Mixed fortunes for businesses as Hong Kong anti-extradition protests force some to close and bring a roaring trade to others|first=Michelle|last=Wong |website=South China Morning Post |date=12 June 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} Stock of protest supplies ran low in both Hong Kong and Taiwan.{{cite web|url=https://www.asiatimes.com/2019/08/article/taiwans-tear-gas-mask-stocks-running-out/|title=Taiwan's tear gas mask stocks running out|first=KG|last=Chan |work=Asia Times |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}}

The protests also affected property owners: fearing the instability, some investors abandoned purchases of land. Demand for property also declined, as overall property transactions dropped by 24 per cent when compared with the Umbrella Revolution; property developers were forced to slash prices.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/business/banking-finance/article/3024412/occupy-versus-todays-protests-these-are-far-worse-terms|title=Hong Kong protests 2019 vs Occupy Central: after 79 days, retailers, investors, developers hit far worse by this year's demonstrations|first=Enoch|last=Yiu |work=South China Morning Post |date=27 August 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} Trade shows reported decreased attendance and revenue, and many firms cancelled their events in Hong Kong.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3037982/hong-kong-protests-deal-massive-blow-trade-exhibitions-visitor|title=Hong Kong protests deal massive blow to trade exhibitions as visitor numbers slump 20 percent|first=Ryan|last=Swift |work=South China Morning Post |date=17 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}} The Hang Seng Index declined by at least 4.8 per cent from 9 June 2019 to late August 2019. As investment sentiment waned, companies awaiting listing on the stock market put their initial public offerings (IPO) on hold, there being only one in August 2019 – the lowest since 2012. Fitch Ratings downgraded Hong Kong's sovereignty rating from AA+ to AA due to doubts over the government's ability to maintain the "one country, two systems" principle; the outlook on the territory was similarly downgraded from "stable" to "negative".{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/hong-kong-economy/article/3026109/beleaguered-hong-kong-hit-double-whammy-fitch|title=Beleaguered Hong Kong hit by double whammy as Fitch Ratings downgrades city and stock exchange hit by cyberattacks|first=Denise|last=Tsang |website=South China Morning Post |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}}

Tourism was also affected: the number of visitors travelling to Hong Kong in August 2019 declined by 40 per cent compared to a year earlier,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-tourism/hong-kong-august-visitors-plunge-40-year-on-year-hotels-half-full-finance-chief-idUSKCN1VU0GO|title=Hong Kong August visitors plunge 40% year-on-year, hotels half-full: finance chief|first=Donny|last=Kwok|work=Reuters |date=9 September 2019 |access-date=13 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190909121922/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-tourism/hong-kong-august-visitors-plunge-40-year-on-year-hotels-half-full-finance-chief-idUSKCN1VU0GO |archive-date=9 September 2019|url-status=live}} while the National Day holiday saw a decline of 31.9 per cent.{{cite news|title=HK sees 55% dip in holiday tourists|url=http://www.ecns.cn/news/economy/2019-10-10/detail-ifzpuyxh5813807.shtml |access-date=10 October 2019 |work=Ecns.cn|publisher=Chinanews.com |date=10 October 2019}}{{Better source needed|date=October 2020}} Unemployment increased from 0.1 per cent to 3.2 per cent from September to November 2019, with the tourist and the catering sectors, seeing rises to 5.2 per cent and 6.2 per cent respectively during the same period, being the hardest hit.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests/hong-kong-needs-to-stop-violence-says-top-official-as-jobless-rate-rises-idUSKBN1YL09B|title=Hong Kong needs to stop violence says top official as jobless rate rises|first=Farah|last=Master|work=Reuters |date=17 December 2019 |access-date=18 May 2020}} Flight bookings also declined, with airlines cutting or reducing services.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3038102/no-joy-airlines-seeking-waivers-cuts-hong-kong-airport|title=No joy for airlines seeking waivers, cuts in Hong Kong airport fees to help get through hard times|first=Danny|last=Lee |work=South China Morning Post |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}} During the airport protests on 12 and 13 August 2019, the Airport Authority cancelled numerous flights, which resulted in an estimated US$76 million loss according to aviation experts.{{cite web|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/commentary-how-hong-kong-s-protests-are-affecting-its-economy-11842026|title=Commentary: How Hong Kong's protests are affecting its economy|first=Allen|last=Morrison|work=Channel News|date=26 August 2019|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-date=15 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190915022119/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/commentary/commentary-how-hong-kong-s-protests-are-affecting-its-economy-11842026|url-status=dead}} Various countries issued travel warnings to their citizens concerning Hong Kong, and many mainland Chinese tourists avoided travelling to Hong Kong due to safety concerns.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49276259|title=Hong Kong protests: How badly has tourism been affected? |work=BBC News |date=12 August 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813085938/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-49276259 |archive-date=13 August 2019|url-status=live}}

File:西營盤山城和你宵 20200118.jpg to organise a Lunar New Year Fair in Sai Ying Pun on 18 January 2020.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/01/21/hong-kongs-lunar-new-year-fairs-exhibits-protest-themed-goods/|title=Hong Kong's Lunar New Year fairs exhibit protest-themed goods|first=Daniel|last=Suen |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=21 January 2020 |access-date=18 May 2020}}]]

The economy in Hong Kong became increasingly politicised. Some corporations bowed to pressure and fired employees who expressed their support for the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/08/beijing-pressure-hong-kong-companies/596869/|title=Angering China Can Now Get You Fired|first=Michael|last=Schuman |work=The Atlantic |date=27 August 2019 |access-date=16 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/28/cathay-pacific-denounced-for-firing-hong-kong-staff-on-china-orders|title=Cathay denounced for firing Hong Kong staff after pressure from China|first=Tania|last=Branigan |work=The Guardian |date=28 August 2019 |access-date=16 May 2020}} Several international corporations and businesses including the National Basketball Association and Activision Blizzard decided to appease China during the protests and faced intense criticisms.{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/the-goods/2019/10/11/20910039/american-brands-hong-kong-china-conflict|title=American brands are trying to play both sides of the Hong Kong-China conflict|first=Terry|last=Nguyen |work=Vox |date=11 October 2019 |access-date=16 May 2020}} The Diplomat called the Yellow Economic Circle "one of the most radical, progressive, and innovative forms of long-term struggle" during the protests.{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/12/buy-yellow-eat-yellow-the-economic-arm-of-hong-kongs-pro-democracy-protests/|title='Buy Yellow, Eat Yellow': The Economic Arm of Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Protests|first=Alexandar|last=Chan |work=The Diplomat |date=13 December 2019 |access-date=16 May 2020}} Corporations perceived to be pro-Beijing faced boycotts, and some were vandalised.{{cite web|url=https://asiatimes.com/2019/11/in-protest-hit-hk-eating-out-is-political/|title=In protest-hit HK, eating out is political|first=Frank|last=Chen |work=Asia Times |date=8 November 2019 |access-date=16 May 2020}} Meanwhile, "yellow" shops allied with protesters enjoyed a flurry of patrons even during the coronavirus crisis.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-mayday/business-booms-for-yellow-firms-backing-hong-kong-protest-movement-idUSKBN22D577|title=Business booms for 'yellow' firms backing Hong Kong protest movement|first=Jessie|last=Pang|work=Reuters |date=1 May 2020 |access-date=16 May 2020}}

Lam's administration was criticised for its performance during the protests – her perceived arrogance and obstinacy,{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=129761&sid=4|title=Carrie Lam arrogance swelled turnout, Charles Mok says |date=17 June 2019 |access-date=13 September 2019 |work=The Standard}}{{cite web|url=http://theconversation.com/hong-kong-is-one-of-the-most-unequal-cities-in-the-world-so-why-arent-the-protesters-angry-at-the-rich-and-powerful-123866|title=Hong Kong is one of the most unequal cities in the world. So why aren't the protesters angry at the rich and powerful?|first=Toby|last=Carroll |work=The Conversation |date=27 September 2019 |access-date=5 April 2020}} and her reluctance to engage in dialogue with protesters. Her extended absences, stonewalling performance at press conferences,{{cite web |url=https://www.ft.com/content/ac9c006c-ca26-11e9-af46-b09e8bfe60c0|title=Hong Kong police furious over government handling of protests|first=Jamil|last=Anderlini |work=Financial Times |date=30 August 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019|url-access=subscription}} were all believed to have enabled the protesters to escalate events.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/07/hong-kongs-missing-leader-whatever-happened-new-look-carrie-lam/|title=Hong Kong's missing leader: Whatever happened to the new-look Carrie Lam?|first=Tim|last=Hamlett |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=7 July 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}}{{efn|At a press conference on 5 August 2019, Lam explained her absence from the public eye in the preceding two weeks. She was concerned about the risk to organisers over the possible disruption by protesters of public events and press conferences.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021459/hong-kong-being-dragged-down-path-no-return-says-carrie-lam|title=Hong Kong being dragged down 'path of no return' says Carrie Lam, as she calls protests an attack on Beijing's sovereignty |first1=Tony|last1=Cheung|first2=Gary|last2=Cheung|first3=Jeffie|last3=Lam|date=5 August 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019 |website=South China Morning Post}}}} According to public opinion polls, approval ratings of Lam and her government were the lowest among all chief executives,{{Cite web|title=People's Satisfaction with the HKSAR Government|url=https://www.pori.hk/pop-poll/government-en/h001.html?lang=en|access-date=11 February 2022|website=pori.hk| date=13 January 2021 }} with Lam's rating plunged to 19.5 out of 100 in November 2019.{{Cite web|title=Rating of Chief Executive Carrie Lam|url=https://www.pori.hk/pop-poll/chief-executive-en/a003-rating-perpoll.html?lang=en|access-date=11 February 2022|website=pori.hk| date=16 March 2021 }} Her performance and those of Secretary for Security John Lee and Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng were called "disastrous".{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/09/disastrous-performance-carrie-lams-rating-plunges-lowest-among-hong-kong-chief-exec-yet/|title='Disastrous performance': Carrie Lam's rating plunges to lowest among any Hong Kong Chief Exec. yet|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=9 October 2019 |access-date=6 November 2019}} On 2 September, Reuters received a leaked audio recording in which Carrie Lam admitted that she had "very limited" room to manoeuvre between the Central People's Government and Hong Kong, and that she would quit, if she had a choice.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-carrielam-transcrip/exclusive-if-i-have-a-choice-the-first-thing-is-to-quit-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-transcript-idUSKCN1VO0KK|title=Exclusive: 'If I have a choice, the first thing is to quit' – Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam – transcript |date=3 September 2019|work=Reuters |access-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904062138/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-carrielam-transcrip/exclusive-if-i-have-a-choice-the-first-thing-is-to-quit-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-transcript-idUSKCN1VO0KK |archive-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live}} However, the next day she told the media that she had never contemplated discussing her resignation with the Beijing authorities.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/02/asia/carrie-lam-meeting-recording-intl/index.html|title=Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam responds to audio recording where she discusses quitting |date=3 September 2019|publisher=CNN |access-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904105254/https://www.cnn.com/2019/09/02/asia/carrie-lam-meeting-recording-intl/index.html |archive-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live}} Lam's behaviour on this and later occasions strengthened the perception among a broad part of the protesters and their supporters that she was not able to make any crucial decision without instructions from the Beijing government, effectively serving as its puppet.{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-40349611|title=Hong Kong's Carrie Lam: 'I am no puppet of Beijing'|first=Carrie|last=Grace |publisher=BBC |date=21 June 2017 |access-date=3 June 2020}} Distrust toward the government and the lack of police accountability also led to the temporary prevalence of conspiracy theories.

Both sides claimed that rule of law in Hong Kong was undermined during the protests. While the government, the police and government supporters criticised the protesters for breaking the law and using violence to "extort" the government to accept the demands, the protesters and their sympathisers felt that lack of police oversight, selective law enforcement, selective prosecution, police brutality, and the government's blanket denial of all police wrongdoings all harmed rule of law and expressed their disappointment that the law cannot help them achieve justice.{{cite web|url=https://harvardpolitics.com/world/protests-politics-and-challenges-to-hong-kongs-rule-of-law/|title=Protests, Politics and Challenges to Hong Kong's Rule of Law|first=Justin|last=Wong |work=Harvard Political Review |date=2 March 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}} The judiciary was also scrutinised after judge Kwok Wai-kin dedicated much of his sentencing statement to comment on the negative impacts of the protests and to expressing sympathy toward a stabber who attacked three people in September 2019 near a Lennon Wall. He was later removed from handling all protest-related cases.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/04/28/hong-kong-judge-removed-from-protest-related-cases-after-expressing-sympathy-with-attacker/|title=Hong Kong judge removed from protest-related cases after expressing sympathy with attacker|publisher=Hong Kong Free Press|last=Wong|first=Rachel |date=28 April 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}}

The government's extended absence and its lack of a political solution in the early stage of the protests catapulted the police into the front line, and heavy-handed policing became a substitute for solving a political crisis.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-07-29/hong-kong-police-strain-under-pressure-to-solve-political-crisis|title=Hong Kong Police Strain Under Pressure to Solve Political Crisis|newspaper=Bloomberg.com|date=29 July 2019|publisher=Bloomberg L.P.}} The police force was initially "lost and confused" and was discontent with the government for not offering enough support.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-police-analysis/from-asias-finest-to-black-dogs-hong-kong-police-under-pressure-idUSKCN1UC12A |title=From 'Asia's finest' to 'black dogs': Hong Kong police under pressure|first=Grey|last=Troude|work=Reuters |date=17 July 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717110604/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-police-analysis/from-asias-finest-to-black-dogs-hong-kong-police-under-pressure-idUSKCN1UC12A |archive-date=17 July 2019|url-status=live}} Subsequently, Lam's blanket denial of allegations of police brutality led to accusations that Lam and her administration endorsed police violence. Throughout the protests, the establishment waited for demonstrators' aggression to increase so they could justify greater militarisation of the police and dismiss the protesters as "insurgents" and thereby also dismiss their demands.{{cite web|url=https://thediplomat.com/2019/09/why-the-mutually-assured-destruction-rhetoric-in-hong-kong-is-dangerous/|title=Why the Mutually Assured Destruction Rhetoric in Hong Kong Is Dangerous|first=Brian|last=Wong |work=The Diplomat |date=6 September 2019 |access-date=30 October 2019}}

The protests and backlashes against them resulted in Hong Kong governance increasingly orienting to the mainland.{{Cite book |last=Hu |first=Richard |title=Reinventing the Chinese City |date=2023 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-21101-7 |location=New York}}{{Rp|page=182}}

One common view in the rest of China was that leadership on Hong Kong issues needed to be revamped both at the SAR and in the central government.{{Rp|page=182}}

The reputation of the police took a serious drubbing following the heavy-handed treatment of protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/25/asias-finest-public-enemy-no-1-hong-kongs-police-force-paralysed-state-confusion/|title=From 'Asia's finest' to 'public enemy no.1,' Hong Kong's police force are in a paralysed state of confusion|first=Kent|last=Ewing |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=25 June 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=132961&sid=4|title=Police luster fades, sinks to seven-year low |work=The Standard |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}}{{cite news |title=Hong Kong's ranking in global law and order index plunges from fifth place to 82nd on the heels of last year's unrest |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3107646/hong-kongs-ranking-global-law-and-order-index-plunges |access-date=30 October 2020}} In October 2019, a survey conducted by CUHK revealed that more than 50 percent of respondents were deeply dissatisfied with the police's performance.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/hong-kong-protests-police-violence-public-opinion-polling-support-a9158061.html|title=Our research in Hong Kong reveals what people really think of the protesters – and the police|first=Francis|last=Lee |work=The Independent |date=16 October 2019 |access-date=6 November 2019}} The satisfaction rate of police force dropped to a record low after the handover.{{Cite web|title=Are you satisfied with the performance of the Hong Kong Police Force? (Per Poll)|url=https://www.pori.hk/pop-poll/disciplinary-force-en/x001.html?lang=en|access-date=11 February 2022|website=pori.hk| date=22 January 2021 }} According to some reports, their aggressive behaviours and tactics have caused them to become a symbol that represents hostility and suppression. Their actions against protesters resulted in a breakdown of citizens' trust of the police.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/blunt-unplanned-police-tactics-fire-hk-protests-191101070008742.html|title='Blunt, unplanned': Police tactics under fire in HK protests|first=Erin|last=Hale|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=1 November 2019 |access-date=15 December 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theatlantic.com/international/archive/2019/09/hong-kong-police-lost-trust/597205/|title=From Asia's Finest to Hong Kong's Most Hated |first=Suzanne|last=Sataline|work=The Atlantic |date=1 September 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}} Citizens were also concerned over the ability of the police to regulate and control their members and feared their abuse of power.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/10/hong-kong-police-issue-extendable-batons-off-duty-officers-critics-concerned-potential-abuse/|title=Hong Kong police issue extendable batons to off-duty officers, but critics concerned over potential for abuse|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=10 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190910085113/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/10/hong-kong-police-issue-extendable-batons-off-duty-officers-critics-concerned-potential-abuse/ |archive-date=10 September 2019|url-status=live}} The suspected acts of police brutality led some politically neutral or political apathetic citizens to become more sympathetic towards the young protesters.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/mom-says-come-home-hong-kong-protests-divide-families-11567458226|title='Mom Says Come Home': Hong Kong Protests Divide Families|first=Natasha|last=Khan |work=The Wall Street Journal |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019|url-access=subscription}} Fearing Hong Kong was changing into a police state, some citizens actively considered emigration.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/08/asia/hong-kong-protest-migration-intl-hnk/index.html|title=Hong Kong's violent protests show no sign of stopping. Some are deciding it's time to leave|first1=Chermaine|last1=Lee|first2=Will|last2=Ripley|publisher=CNN |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=30 October 2019}} The lack of any prosecutions against officers, and the absence of independent police oversight, sparked fears that the police could not be held accountable for their actions and that they were immune to any legal consequences.

Affected by the controversies surrounding the police force's handling of the protests, between June 2019 to February 2020, 446 police officers quit (which was 40 per cent higher than the figure in 2018), and the force only managed to recruit 760 officers (40 per cent lower than the previous year), falling well short of the police force's expectations.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1519527-20200408.htm|title=Hundreds of police quit force during protests |work=RTHK |date=8 April 2020 |access-date=31 May 2020}} The police cancelled foot patrols because of fears officers may be attacked,{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3025140/hong-kong-protests-police-stop-regular-foot-patrols-due|title=Hong Kong protests: police stop regular foot patrols due to staff crunch and risk of being attacked|first=Clifford|last=Lo |work=South China Morning Post |date=30 August 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}} and issued extendable batons to off-duty officers. Police officers also reported being "physically and mentally" tired, as they faced the risks of being doxed, cyberbullied, and distanced by their family members.{{cite web|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/08/15/asia/hong-kong-police-control-protests-intl/index.html|title=Hong Kong's police describe their side of the protests|first=Ivan|last=Watson|publisher=CNN |date=15 August 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}} Police relations with journalists,{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3017673/hong-kong-journalism-groups-accuse-police-assaulting|title=Hong Kong journalism groups accuse police of assaulting reporters and photographers during extradition bill clashes in Mong Kok|first=Xinqi|last=Su |work=South China Morning Post |date=8 July 2019 |access-date=20 August 2019}} social workers,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/02/hong-kong-social-workers-complain-mistreatment-riot-police/|title=Hong Kong social workers complain of mistreatment by riot police |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=2 November 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019}}{{cite news |title=Social worker jailed one year for obstructing police |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1532621-20200617.htm |access-date=29 October 2020}} medical professionals{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/28/frontlines-hong-kong-public-hospital-doctors-making-stand-police-violence/|title=On the frontlines: the Hong Kong public hospital doctors making a stand against police violence|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=28 August 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019}} and members from other disciplined forces{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/11/explainer-aggressive-policing-creates-rifts-hong-kongs-civil-service-firefighters-caught-fallout/|title=Explainer: Aggressive policing creates rifts in Hong Kong's civil service, with firefighters caught in fallout|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=11 November 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019}} became strained.

The protests deepened the rift between the "yellow" (pro-democracy) and "blue" (pro-government) camps created since the Umbrella Revolution. People who opposed the protests argued that protesters were spreading chaos and fear across the city, causing damage to the economy and thus harming people not involved in the protests. On the other hand, protesters justified their actions by what they saw as the greater good of protecting the territory's freedoms against the encroachment of mainland China.{{cite news|url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/26/asia/hong-kong-destruction-support-intl-hnk/index.html |title=As violence and vandalism escalate in Hong Kong, some protest supporters have had enough |publisher=CNN |date=27 October 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019 |last=Yeung |first=Jessie}} Anti-mainland sentiments swelled during this period.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-mainlanders/mainlanders-in-hong-kong-worry-as-anti-china-sentiment-swells-idUSKBN1X90Q8|title=Mainlanders in Hong Kong worry as anti-China sentiment swells|first=Julie|last=Zhu|work=Reuters |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=19 February 2020}} Family relationships were strained, as children argued with their parents over their attending protests, disagreeing with their parents' political stance, avoidance of politics or views on the manner of the protests.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/features/family-politics-hong-kong-protests-affect-home-dynamic-190902111251102.html|title=Family politics: How Hong Kong protests affect the home dynamic|publisher=Al Jazeera |first=Violet|last=Law|date=3 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}}

File:190717 Silver-hair elderly rally.jpg

As the protests continued to escalate, citizens showed an increasing tolerance towards confrontational and violent actions.{{cite web |url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1067950 |script-title=zh:民意仍然堅實 處境造就升級 |date=16 October 2019 |website=Inmediahk.net |author=梁啟智 |language=zh-HK}} Pollsters found that among 8,000 respondents at protest sites, 90% of them believed that the use of these tactics was understandable because of the government's refusal to respond to the demands.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/20/new-research-shows-vast-majority-hong-kong-protesters-support-radical-tactics/|title=New research shows vast majority of Hong Kong protesters support more radical tactics|first=Samson|last=Yuen |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=20 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}} The protest movement provided a basis for challenging the government over its controversial handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and some observers ascribed the success in halting the first wave of the pandemic to protesters' related efforts.{{cite web |title=How Hong Kong Did It |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2020/05/how-hong-kong-beating-coronavirus/611524/ |first=Zeynep|last=Tufekci|authorlink=Zeynep Tufekci|work=The Atlantic|date=12 May 2020|access-date=29 October 2020}} Unity among the protesters was seen across a wide spectrum of age groups and professions.{{efn|On many occasions, middle-aged and elderly volunteers attempted to separate the police and the young protesters where the two groups confronted each other, and provided various forms of assistance.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/13/volunteers-protecting-hong-kong-protesters|title='I'll take the blow for them': the volunteers protecting Hong Kong protesters|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=13 September 2019 |access-date=20 September 2019}} Various professions organised rallies to stand in solidarity with protesters. These professions included: teachers, civil servants, the aviation industry, accountants, medical professionals, social workers, the advertising sector, and the finance sector.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3040194/hong-kong-advertising-workers-down-tools-promote-anti|title=Hong Kong advertising workers down tools to promote anti-government protest movement instead|first=Lillan|last=Cheng |website=South China Morning Post |date=2 December 2019 |access-date=19 February 2020}}{{cite news|last1=May|first1=Tiffany|title=Hong Kong's Civil Servants Protest Against Their Own Government|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/02/world/asia/hong-kong-civil-servants-protest.html |work=The New York Times|issn=0362-4331 |access-date=3 August 2019 |date=2 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802191014/https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/02/world/asia/hong-kong-civil-servants-protest.html |archive-date=2 August 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190802-financial-workers-stage-flash-mob-vow-to-join-monday-strike/|title=Financial workers stage flash mob, vow to join Monday strike |date=2 August 2019 |website=EJ Insight|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190802145409/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190802-financial-workers-stage-flash-mob-vow-to-join-monday-strike/ |archive-date=2 August 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3023231/thousands-teachers-black-brave-heavy-rain-launch-rally|title=More than 22,000 march in teachers' rally supporting Hong Kong's young protesters, organisers say|first=Kanis|last=Leung |website=South China Morning Post |date=17 August 2019 |access-date=18 August 2019}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190813-public-hospital-staff-hold-protests-over-police-abuse-of-power/|title=Public hospital staff hold protests over police 'abuse of power' |work=EJ Insight |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=13 August 2019}} To express their support, sympathisers of the protest movement chanted rallying cries from their apartments every night,{{cite news |last1=Tam |first1=Felix |last2=Zaharia |first2=Marius |title=Hong Kong neighborhoods echo with late night cries for freedom |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-neighbourhoods-idUSKCN1VN181 |work=Reuters |access-date=4 September 2019 |date=2 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190904040346/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-neighbourhoods-idUSKCN1VN181 |archive-date=4 September 2019 |url-status=live}} wrote Christmas cards to injured protesters and those in detention,{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-christmas/we-can-celebrate-later-hong-kongers-pen-christmas-cards-to-protesters-idUSKBN1YL0L1|title='We can celebrate later': Hong Kongers pen Christmas cards to protesters|work=Reuters |date=17 December 2019 |access-date=3 April 2020|first1=Joyce|last1=Zhou|first2=Minwoo|last2=Park|first3=Yoyo|last3=Saito|first4=Mehmet Emin|last4=Caliskan|first5=Mari|last5=Saito}} and rallied outside Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre where the detainees were held.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/01/23/thousands-rally-solidarity-detained-protesters-ahead-lunar-new-year/|title=Thousands rally in solidarity with detained protesters ahead of Lunar New Year|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=19 February 2020}}}} While some moderate protesters reported that the increase in violence alienated them from the protests, public opinion polls conducted by CUHK suggested that the movement was able to maintain public support. The unity among protesters fostered a new sense of identity and community in Hong Kong, which had always been a very materialistic society. This was evidenced by the adoption of "Glory to Hong Kong" as a protest anthem.

A study conducted by the University of Hong Kong found that the protests were having negative impacts on the mental health of Hong Kong residents with one third of adults, around 2 million adults of a total population of 7.4 million, reporting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the protests, up from 5 per cent in March 2015.{{cite web|title=More than 2 million Hongkongers show signs of PTSD, study finds|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3045442/hong-kong-protests-mental-health-issues-rising-drastically |first=Victor|last=Ting|date=10 January 2020 |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=7 May 2020}} This was a six times increase from four years earlier with levels of depression and PTSD comparable to a war zone.{{Cite news |date=10 January 2020|title=Hong Kong PTSD level 'like warzones', study finds |work=BBC News|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-51058233 |access-date=7 May 2020}}{{cite web|title=Hong Kong protest violence is leading to mental health catastrophe|url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Opinion/Hong-Kong-protest-violence-is-leading-to-mental-health-catastrophe |website=Nikkei Asian Review |access-date=7 May 2020}} A survey, on social media, of more than 1,000 people by the Chinese University of Hong Kong found that 38 per cent were troubled by depression-related problems.{{Cite news|last1=Smith|first1=Nicola|last2=Leung|first2=Jasmine |date=9 January 2020|title=Mental health crisis looms after seven months of Hong Kong protests |work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/mental-health-crisis-looms-seven-months-hong-kong-protests/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/mental-health-crisis-looms-seven-months-hong-kong-protests/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=7 May 2020|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} Symptoms of PTSD were found not only to afflict protesters, but also those watching events unfold on the news, living in affected areas, or working in jobs that are related to the movement (nurses, doctors, reporters, police, and street cleaners).{{cite web|title=PTSD and protests: How the violence on Hong Kong's streets impacts mental health|url=http://hongkongfp.com/2019/12/15/ptsd-protests-violence-hong-kongs-streets-impacts-mental-health/|first=Rhea|last=Mogul |date=15 December 2019 |website=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=7 May 2020}} Suspected PTSD in 2019 was found to have a prevalence of 12.8 per cent in the population. Heavy social media use of 2 or more hours per day was associated with likelihood of both depression or PTSD.{{cite web|title=Mental health burden of Hong Kong protests highlights risks of social unrest|url=https://www.healio.com/news/psychiatry/20200114/mental-health-burden-from-hong-kong-protests-highlights-risks-of-social-unrest|website=Healio|access-date=7 May 2020}} With the passage of the national security law and the establishment of a national security hotline, societal mistrust and stress was expected to increase as of 2020.{{cite news |title=Police national security hotline will rip HK apart |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1557297-20201029.htm |access-date=29 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201101040103/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1557297-20201029.htm|archive-date=1 November 2020|url-status=dead}}

During the protests, two confirmed deaths were directly linked to protest actions:

1. Luo Changqing – A 70-year-old street cleaner, died on 14 November 2019 after being struck in the head by a brick thrown by a protester during clashes between pro-democracy protesters and opposing groups in Sheung Shui.{{Cite web |date=2019-11-22 |title=Call for peace from son of man killed by brick hurled in Hong Kong clash |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038928/hong-kong-protests-call-peace-son-luo-changqing-killed |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}{{Cite news |date=2019-11-23 |title=Son of elderly man killed during Hong Kong protests urges perpetrators to come forward |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-11-23/hong-kong-protesters-who-killed-elderly-man-urged-come-forward/11732536 |access-date=2025-01-16 |work=ABC News |language=en-AU}}

2. Alex Chow Tsz-lok – A 22-year-old university student, died on 8 November 2019 after falling from a multi-story car park during a police dispersal operation in Tseung Kwan O. The cause of his fall remains inconclusive.{{Cite web |date=2020-12-04 |title=New video footage emerges of Hong Kong student Alex Chow's death |url=https://www.scmp.com/yp/discover/news/hong-kong/article/3112627/new-video-footage-emerges-hong-kong-student-alex-chows |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=Young Post}}{{Cite web |last=Hioe |first=Brian |date=2019-11-11 |title=Intensive Protests in Hong Kong After Death, Accusations of Police Gang Rape, Calls for a General Strike Today |url=https://newbloommag.net/2019/11/11/death-rape-accusation-protest/ |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=New Bloom Magazine |language=en-US}}

These two casualties were the only confirmed deaths directly associated with the protests. Additionally, a number of suicide cases had occurred during the protest period{{Cite web |last=Coren |first=Julia Hollingsworth,Jo Shelley,Anna |date=2019-07-22 |title='Life and death of Hong Kong': Why a darkness runs through Hong Kong's protests |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/07/21/asia/hong-kong-deaths-suicide-dark-intl-hnk/index.html |access-date=2025-01-16 |website=CNN |language=en}} and while not officially linked to the protests, a Guardian article dated 22 October 2019 reported that "protesters have tracked at least nine cases of suicides that appear to be linked directly to the demonstrations" since June.{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/society/2019/oct/22/society-is-suffering-hong-kong-protests-spark-mental-health-crisis|title='Society is suffering': Hong Kong protests spark mental health crisis|newspaper=The Guardian |access-date=31 October 2019 |date=21 October 2019|last1=Kuo|first1=Lily}} And in five of these cases, the victims left a suicide note referring to the protests, and three were attributed to events following the extradition bill.{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-protester-dies-in-fatal-fall-while-attempting-to-hang-banner|title=Hong Kong protest: Flowers pile up for protester who fell to his death at Pacific Place |date=16 June 2019 |work=The Straits Times|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617121300/https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/hong-kong-protester-dies-in-fatal-fall-while-attempting-to-hang-banner |archive-date=17 June 2019|oclc=8572659}}{{cite web |url=https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190905/60010806 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【逆權運動】林鄭遭質問失人命後始撤回修例 辯稱只為建構對話基礎非推《緊急法》 |work=Apple Daily |date=5 September 2019 |access-date=5 September 2019 |archive-date=5 September 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190905055116/https://hk.news.appledaily.com/local/realtime/article/20190905/60010806 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://hk.on.cc/hk/bkn/cnt/news/20190629/bkn-20190629163435030-0629_00822_001.html |script-title=zh:逃犯條例：牆身留反修例字句 教大女學生墮樓亡 |website=on.cc東網|language=zh-hk |date=29 June 2019 |access-date=29 June 2019}}

{{Main|Reactions to the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

File:港府執意推進《逃犯條例》修法民陣謹慎動員民眾抗爭1.jpg Carrie Lam at the press conference with Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng and Secretary for Security John Lee one day after the massive protest on 9 June 2019.]]

Carrie Lam continued to push for the second reading of the bill despite a mass anti-extradition bill protest, saying that the government was "duty-bound" to amend the law.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3011931/hong-kong-extradition-row-rages-diplomats-and-lawmakers|title=Top foreign diplomats express serious concerns about Hong Kong government's extradition proposal at Legislative Council|first=Xinqi|last=Su |work=South China Morning Post |date=27 May 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/04/no-reason-pull-extradition-bill-says-chief-exec-carrie-lam-ahead-protests/|title=No reason to pull extradition bill, says Chief Exec. Carrie Lam ahead of protests|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} She had previously rejected meeting the protesters, believing that such meeting would have "no purpose".{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/04/from-defensive-to-apologies-to-doubling-down-how-carrie-lams-response-to-hong-kongs-protest-movement-evolved-over-a-year/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20210216110307/https://hongkongfp.com/2020/09/04/from-defensive-to-apologies-to-doubling-down-how-carrie-lams-response-to-hong-kongs-protest-movement-evolved-over-a-year/|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 February 2021|title=From defensive, to apologies, to doubling down: How Carrie Lam's response to Hong Kong's protest movement evolved over a year|first=Kelly|last=Ho|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=4 September 2020|access-date=10 October 2020}} Following the 12 June conflict, both Police Commissioner Stephen Lo and Lam characterised the conflict as a "riot". The police later backed down on the claim, saying that among the protesters, only five of them rioted. Protesters demanded that the government fully retract the riot characterisation.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/18/hong-kong-police-chief-backs-categorisation-unrest-saying-five-people-rioters/|title=Hong Kong police chief backs down on categorisation of unrest, saying only five people were rioters|first=Kris|last=Cheng|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=18 June 2019|access-date=7 September 2019|archive-url=http://webarchive.loc.gov/all/20190618203641/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/18/hong-kong-police-chief-backs-categorisation-unrest-saying-five-people-rioters/|archive-date=18 June 2019 |url-status=live}} Lam's analogy as Hong Kong people's mother attracted criticisms after the violent crackdown on 12 June.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news.php?id=129667&sid=8|title=Mothers' online petition takes issue with Carrie Lam's spoiled child remark |work=The Standard |date=13 June 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}}

Lam announced the suspension of the bill on 15 June 2019, and officially apologised to the public on 18 June two days after another massive march.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/06/18/live-hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-sincerely-apologises-extradition-row/|title=Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam 'sincerely apologises' for extradition row, but refuses to retract bill or resign |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=18 June 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} In early July, Lam reiterated that the bill "had passed away" and reaffirmed that all efforts to amend the law had ceased, though her use of language was thought to be ambiguous.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jul/09/hong-kong-carrie-lam-says-extradition-bill-is-dead-but-stops-short-of-withdrawal|title=Hong Kong: Carrie Lam says extradition bill is 'dead' but will not withdraw it|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=9 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} During July and August 2019, the government insisted that it would not make any concessions and that the IPCC would suffice to investigate police misconduct. She also refused to declare the withdrawal of the bill, and ignored calls for her to resign.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3017795/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-says-extradition-bill-dead|title=Hong Kong's controversial extradition bill may be 'dead' but city leader Carrie Lam still unable to win over her critics|first=Lok-kei|last=Sum |website=South China Morning Post |date=9 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}}{{Cite news |title=So the bill is 'dead'…but how dead, exactly? Lam's choice of words raises eyebrows |url=https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/the-bill-is-dead-but-how-dead-google-trends-shows-spike-in-searches-for-idiom-used-by-carrie-lam-to-describe-extradition-bill/ |work=Coconuts Hong Kong |access-date=25 August 2019 |date=9 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190717011002/https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/the-bill-is-dead-but-how-dead-google-trends-shows-spike-in-searches-for-idiom-used-by-carrie-lam-to-describe-extradition-bill/ |archive-date=17 July 2019|url-status=live}} On 4 September 2019, Lam announced that she would formally withdraw the extradition bill, as well as introduce measures such as adding new members to the IPCC, engage in dialogue at the community level, and invite academics to join an "independent review committee" – with no investigative powers – to evaluate Hong Kong's deep-rooted problems. However, protesters and democrats saw the withdrawal as coming too late, and insisted that all of their five core demands be answered.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/04/breaking-hong-kong-officially-withdraw-extradition-bill-legislature-still-no-independent-commission-inquiry/|title=Hong Kong to officially withdraw extradition bill from legislature, but still no independent probe into crisis|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=4 September 2019 |access-date=4 September 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190904102102/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/04/breaking-hong-kong-officially-withdraw-extradition-bill-legislature-still-no-independent-commission-inquiry/ |archive-date=4 September 2019|url-status=live}} One day prior to the first dialogue session of Lam on 26 September 2019, a Chinese envoy termed the demands "political blackmail", leading to doubts on the leeway Lam had in the sessions.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/26/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-public-anger-dialogue-session|title=Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam faces public anger in 'dialogue session'|agency=Agence France-Presse |work=The Guardian |date=26 September 2019 |access-date=1 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930182421/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/sep/26/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-public-anger-dialogue-session |archive-date=30 September 2019|url-status=live}} The independent review committee was then shelved by Lam in May 2020.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3084629/hong-kong-protests-city-leader-carrie-lam-shelves|title=Hong Kong protests: city leader Carrie Lam shelves independent review into what caused unrest|first=Joyce|last=Ng|work=South China Morning Post|date=15 May 2020|access-date=3 January 2021}}

After condemning the protesters who had stormed the legislature on 1 July for their "use of extreme violence",{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/02/hong-kongs-carrie-lam-condemns-protesters-occupation-legislature-extreme-use-violence/|title=Hong Kong's Carrie Lam condemns protesters' occupation of legislature as 'extreme use of violence'|first=Elson|last=Tong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=2 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019}} and those who had defaced the national emblem during the 21 July protest,{{Cite news|url=https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/carrie-lam-security-officials-hounded-at-press-conference-on-response-to-yuen-long/|title=Carrie Lam, security officials hounded at press conference on response to Yuen Long |work=Coconuts Hong Kong |date=22 July 2019 |access-date=7 September 2019 |archive-date=22 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190722094709/https://coconuts.co/hongkong/news/carrie-lam-security-officials-hounded-at-press-conference-on-response-to-yuen-long/|url-status=live}} Lam suggested in early August 2019 that the protests had deviated from their original purpose and that their goal now was to challenge China's sovereignty and damage "one country, two systems". She suggested that radical protesters were dragging Hong Kong to a "path of no return" and that they had "no stake in society", and therefore, government meetings need not to include them.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3022180/protest-crisis-worsening-economic-slump-hong-kong-leader|title=Protest crisis worsening economic slump, Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says|first1=Tony|last1=Cheung|first2=Lok-kei|last2=Sum|first3=Kanis|last3=Leung|work=South China Morning Post|date=9 August 2019 |access-date=25 July 2020}} On 5 October 2019, after what Lam referred to as "extreme violence" had taken place, an emergency law from the colonial era was enacted to ban face masks in Hong Kong—without declaring a state of emergency—which sparked criticism from various human rights organisations.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/video/2019/10/05/protesters-defy-face-mask-ban-in-hong-ko?videoId=608784994|title=Protesters defy face-mask ban in Hong Kong |date=5 October 2019|work=Reuters|publisher=Thomson Reuters Corp. |access-date=6 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006034738/https://www.reuters.com/video/2019/10/05/protesters-defy-face-mask-ban-in-hong-ko?videoId=608784994 |archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}}{{efn|The democrats filed a judicial review to challenge Lam's decision,{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/05/hong-kong-democrats-challenge-mask-ban-court-accuse-leader-carrie-lam-usurping-legislature/|title=Hong Kong democrats to challenge mask ban in court, accuse leader Carrie Lam of 'usurping legislature'|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=5 October 2019 |access-date=7 October 2019}} and the High Court ruled that the mask ban was unconstitutional.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492951-20191118.htm|title=High Court rules mask ban law is unconstitutional |work=RTHK |date=18 November 2019 |access-date=18 November 2019 |archive-date=19 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119144224/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492951-20191118.htm|url-status=live}} In April 2020, after the government had filed an appeal, the court ruled that the ban is only unconstitutional during legal demonstrations, and ruled that the police cannot physically remove the face masks worn by violators.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3079197/hong-kong-mask-ban-legal-when-aimed-unauthorised|title=Hong Kong mask ban legal when aimed at unauthorised protests, Court of Appeal rules in partially overturning lower court verdict|first=Chris|last=Lau |work=South China Morning Post |date=9 April 2020 |access-date=21 April 2020}}}} Starting from October, Lam regularly referred to the protesters as "rioters" and dismissed the protesters, despite them amassing mass support, throughout late 2019. She also allied with the police, and claimed that ending violence and restoring order, rather than responding to political demands, was what people wanted in Hong Kong.

To cope with the ongoing protests, on 15 November 2019, the police had appointed no more than 100 Correctional Services Department (CSD) officers as special constables to assist them.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3038039/flying-tigers-join-fight-against-hong-kong-protesters|title='Prison flying tigers' join fight against Hong Kong protesters as 70 special constables take to streets for first time |first=Christy|last=Leung|date=16 November 2019 |website=South China Morning Post |access-date=16 December 2019}} In May 2020, the authorities announced they would recruit more personnel from the other five disciplinary services and bring the total number of special constables to 700.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3086557/hong-kong-protests-around-130-firefighters-and|title=Hong Kong protests: about 130 firefighters and paramedics to join police as special constables to handle demonstrations|first=Christy|last=Leung |work=South China Morning Post |date=29 May 2020 |access-date=30 May 2020}} Several protesters who were detained at a correctional facility in Pik Uk reported that they had been tortured and physically abused by guards. They reported that the guards beat their hands and feet, slapped their face, then forced them to slap themselves after they were taken to a room without security camera during their time in detention.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1524295-20200505.htm|title=HK protesters say they were tortured in prison |work=RTHK |date=5 May 2020 |access-date=6 May 2020}}

According to Reuters, the government contacted eight public relations firms to improve the image of the government in late September 2019, but six of them declined to participate for fear that partnering with the HKSAR government may tarnish their reputation.{{cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-lam-transcript-excl/exclusive-the-chief-executive-has-to-serve-two-masters-hk-leader-carrie-lam-full-transcript-idUSKCN1VX0P7|title=Exclusive: The Chief Executive 'has to serve two masters' – HK leader Carrie Lam – full transcript |work=Reuters |date=12 September 2020 |access-date=6 June 2020}} On 30 July 2020, the Hong Kong government made ineligible a dozen pro-democracy candidates from running in Legislative Council elections which had been scheduled for 6 September; the elections were later postponed by a year, for which the government cited a new surge in COVID-19 cases as reason. Observers noted that the delay could have been politically motivated as the pro-Beijing camp may lose their majority in the LegCo following the election.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5877242/coronavirus-elections-postpone-delay-hong-kong-covid19/|title=Around the World Elections Are Being Delayed Because of the Pandemic. Here's Where Experts Say Hong Kong Went Wrong|first=Laignee|last=Barron|magazine=Time|date=7 August 2020|access-date=10 October 2020}} The government claimed that the disqualified candidates had colluded with foreign forces and opposed the new national security law.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security/hong-kong-blocks-12-democrats-from-election-as-china-security-law-shadow-looms-idUSKCN24V1AK|title=Hong Kong blocks 12 democrats from election as China security law shadow looms|access-date=30 July 2020|work=Reuters|date=30 July 2020|last1=Pang|first1=Yanni Chow}}

The Macau government supported the Hong Kong government during the protests. Macau's Chief Executive Ho Iat-seng applauded the imposition of the national security law in Hong Kong a day after it came in to effect.{{cite news |title=Macau Government strongly backs Hong Kong national security law |url=https://www.macaubusiness.com/government-strongly-backs-hong-kong-national-security-law/ |access-date=13 October 2020 |publisher=Macau Business}} The Macau government announced on 19 March 2021 that any lawmaker in the Legislative Assembly who expresses support for the Hong Kong protests would be disqualified from their positions under the Macau Basic Law.{{Cite web|url=https://macaonews.org/politics/al-candidates-supporting-hong-kong-protests-could-face-ban/|title=AL candidates supporting Hong Kong protests could face ban|date=19 March 2021|work=The Macao News}}

File:Nathan Law speaks at the US Capitol.jpg and Nathan Law met House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi and Representative Chris Smith at the US Congress.|alt=]]

The pro-Beijing camp supported the government in promoting the bill, though U-turned when the government withdrew the bill.{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190620-pro-establishment-camp-also-to-blame-for-extradition-bill-saga/|title=Pro-establishment camp also to blame for extradition bill saga |work=EJ Insight |date=20 June 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}} They condemned the use of violence by protesters, including breaking into the LegCo Complex and using petrol bombs and unidentified liquids against the police.{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1466047-20190701.htm|title=Govt, allies condemn 'violent, radical protesters' |work=RTHK |date=1 July 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019 |archive-date=1 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190701195254/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1466047-20190701.htm|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=211229|title=Violent actions from both sides slammed |work=The Standard |date=2 September 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019}} They maintained their support for the Hong Kong Police Force and held various counter-demonstrations to support them,{{Cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/video-gallery.htm?vid=1468821|title=DAB holds pro-police rally, but queries tactics|publisher=RTHK |date=17 July 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.inmediahk.net/node/1065744|language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:何君堯促警方撤銷民陣集會申請 「只可以去公園傾下計」 | 獨媒報導 |website=香港獨立媒體網|date=17 July 2019 }} and criticised the government for not taking enough actions to "halt the violence".{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1491638-20191112.htm|title=Pro-Beijing camp slams govt for not halting violence|work=RTHK|date=12 November 2019|access-date=2 July 2020}} Members of the Executive Council, Ip Kwok-him and Regina Ip alleged that there was a "mastermind" behind the protests but could not provide substantial evidence to support their claim.{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190809-two-exco-members-say-mastermind-behind-recent-protests/|title=Two ExCo members say 'mastermind' behind recent protests |work=EJ Insight |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809123708/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190809-two-exco-members-say-mastermind-behind-recent-protests/ |archive-date=9 August 2019}}

Many lawmakers from the pan-democratic camp, such as Ted Hui and Roy Kwong, assisted the protesters in various scenarios.{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5628021/roy-kwong-hong-kong-protests/|title='Whenever There's Trouble He Rushes There.' Meet Legislator Roy Kwong, the God of Hong Kong Protests|first=Laignee|last=Barron |magazine=Time |date=19 July 2019 |access-date=9 August 2019}} Responding to the escalation of the mid-August protests at the airport, the convenor of the pro-democratic caucus, Claudia Mo, while disagreeing with some protesters' actions, asserted that her group of lawmakers would not split with the protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.rfa.org/english/news/china/airport-08142019120150.html|title=Hong Kong Airport Reopens After Court Order Forbids 'Obstructions,' Limits Protests |work=Radio Free Asia |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=23 October 2019}}{{cite web|url= https://www.hk01.com/政情/363679/機場集會-不認同阻礙登機-毛孟靜強調不割席-示威者已知有錯 |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【機場集會】不認同阻礙登機 毛孟靜強調不割席：示威者已知有錯 |date=14 August 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019 |work=Hong Kong 01}}{{cite web |url=https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/沙田衝突-批警封路釀-困獸鬥-民主派-不會割席/ |language=zh-hk |script-title=zh:【沙田衝突】批警封路釀「困獸鬥」 民主派：不會割席 |work=Stand News |date=15 July 2019 |access-date=8 September 2019 |archive-date=29 December 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211229133427/https://www.thestandnews.com/politics/%E6%B2%99%E7%94%B0%E8%A1%9D%E7%AA%81-%E6%89%B9%E8%AD%A6%E5%B0%81%E8%B7%AF%E9%87%80-%E5%9B%B0%E7%8D%B8%E9%AC%A5-%E6%B0%91%E4%B8%BB%E6%B4%BE-%E4%B8%8D%E6%9C%83%E5%89%B2%E5%B8%AD |url-status=dead }} Pro-democrats also condemned the arrests of and the violence directed at the protests' organisers, lawmakers and election candidates.{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/hong-kong-stabbing-today-protests-cityplaza-mall-shopping-tai-koo-a9183101.html|title=Hong Kong protests: Politician has ear 'bitten off' as several injured in knife attack|first=Vincent|last=Wood |work=Independent|quote="Pro-Beijing camp complains about violence, but so far, the most brutal physical violent acts were done by police and their supporters," Lo Kin-hei said, adding: "Just now, District Councillor Andrew Chiu was attacked, his left ear halved from a bite." |date=4 October 2019 |access-date=4 November 2019}} Former government officials, including Anson Chan, the former Chief Secretary for Administration, issued several open letters to Carrie Lam, urging her to respond to the five core demands raised by protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/24/34-ex-hong-kong-officials-legislators-make-second-appeal-investigation-extradition-bill-saga/|title=34 ex-Hong Kong officials and legislators make second appeal for investigation into extradition bill saga|first=Elson|last=Tong |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=24 July 2019 |access-date=25 July 2019}}

In August, 17 members from the Real Estate Developers Association of Hong Kong and the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce released statements condemning the escalating protests because of the instability they had brought to the city's economy and business community, as well as the negative effects on society as a whole.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=210500|title=Property giants condemn violence at protests|first=Sophie|last=Hui |work=The Standard |date=9 August 2019 |access-date=13 November 2019}} Annie Wu, the daughter of Maxim's Catering founder and also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, condemned the protesters at the United Nations Human Rights Council and suggested that Hong Kong should give up the "lost" protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news/section/11/213241/Wu-turns-back-on---'lost'-youngsters|title=Wu turns back on 'lost' youngsters|first=Cindy|last=Wan |work=The Standard |date=5 November 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1482468-20190925.htm|title=Maxim's distances itself from Annie Wu remarks |work=RTHK |date=25 September 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} On 30 October, Abraham Shek, a lawmaker representing the Real Estate and Construction constituency, supported the formation of an independent commission and said that the problem could not be resolved by only addressing the severe housing shortage.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/30/hong-kong-govt-form-independent-probe-police-conduct-protests-says-pro-beijing-lawmaker-abraham-shek/|title=Hong Kong gov't should form independent probe into police conduct at protests, says pro-Beijing lawmaker Abraham Shek|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=30 October 2019 |access-date=1 November 2019}} Tycoon Li Ka-shing took out a two-page advertisement in newspapers, urging people to "stop anger and violence in the name of love", and quoting a Chinese poem: "The melon of Huangtai cannot bear the picking again".{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3023037/melon-huangtai-hong-kong-business-leader-li-ka-shing|title=Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing invokes poetry in call for end to protests and violence|last=Chow|first=Chung-yan |work=South China Morning Post |date=16 August 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019}}

Despite the government, the pro-Beijing camp and state media invoking the notion of a "silent majority" who opposed the protests, and urging citizens to cut ties with the "violent protesters", citizens generally favoured the pro-democratic camp and supported the protest movement.{{cite web|url=https://www.newstatesman.com/world/asia/2019/11/day-hong-kong-s-true-silent-majority-spoke|title=The day Hong Kong's true "silent majority" spoke|first=Ryan|last=Ho Kilpatrick |work=New Statesman |date=26 November 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} The 2019 Hong Kong District Council election, the first poll since the beginning of the protests, had been billed as a "referendum" on the government.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/hong-kong-turns-out-huge-numbers-vote-viewed-referendum-protests-n1090206|title=Pro-democracy candidates win big in election viewed as referendum on protests|date=25 November 2019 |publisher=NBC News |access-date=25 November 2019}} More than 2.94 million votes were cast for a turnout rate of 71.2%, up from 1.45 million and 47% from the previous election.{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/11/months-protests-hong-kong-heads-key-polls-191124051609941.html|title=Hong Kong democrats score historic victory amid ongoing protests|publisher=Al Jazeera |access-date=25 November 2019}} This was the highest turnout in Hong Kong's history, both in absolute numbers and in turnout rates.{{cite web |url=https://www.euronews.com/2019/11/24/hong-kong-elections-four-keys-to-understanding-district-council-polls|title=Joy at huge surge for pro-democracy candidates in Hong Kong elections|last=Manzanaro|first=Sofia Sanchez |date=24 November 2019 |website=Euronews |access-date=25 November 2019}} The results were a resounding landslide victory for the pro-democracy bloc, as they saw their seat share increased from 30% to almost 88%, with a jump in vote share from 40% to 57%. Among those who were also legislators, the overwhelming majority of the losing candidates were from the pro-Beijing bloc.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/ch/component/k2/1494247-20191125.htm?spTabChangeable=0 |script-title=zh:參選區會21立法會議員至少10人落馬 主要屬建制派|publisher=RTHK|language=zh-tw |access-date=25 November 2019}}

Reuters conducted polls in December 2019,{{Cite news|first1=James|last1=Pomfret|first2=Clare|last2=Jim|date=31 December 2019|title=Exclusive: Hong Kongers support protester demands; minority wants independence from China – Reuters poll|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-poll-exclusive-idUSKBN1YZ0VK|access-date=20 September 2020}} March 2020,{{Cite news|date=27 March 2020|title=Factbox: What Hong Kong opinion poll respondents are saying about protests|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-poll-factbox-idUSKBN21E18O|access-date=20 September 2020}} June 2020{{Cite news|date=2 June 2020|title=Exclusive: Support dips for Hong Kong democracy protests as national security law looms – poll|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-poll-exclusive-idUSKBN23W3KO|access-date=4 July 2020}} and August 2020. The last poll showed that an increasing number of Hongkongers support the pro-democracy goals since the national security law was implemented. More than half of the respondents opposed the national security law. 70% wanted an independent commission of inquiry that looked into how the police handled the protests. 63% wanted universal suffrage. The support for amnesty of all arrested protesters rose to 50%. More than half of people still wanted Carrie Lam to resign. The number of people who opposed the pro-democracy demands went down to 19%. The majority (60%) still opposed Hong Kong independence, 20% supported the idea.{{Cite news|date=30 August 2020|title=Exclusive: HK survey shows increasing majority back pro-democracy goals, smaller support for protest movement|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-security-poll-exclusive-idUSKBN25Q00U|access-date=20 September 2020}}

{{Further|National People's Congress decision on Hong Kong national security legislation}}

The Chinese government expressed its opposition to the protests, while taking measures against the protests and their supporters. The protests were depicted by the government and media as separatist riots.{{Cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-march-china-idUSKCN1TA0U4|title=Chinese paper says 'foreign forces' using Hong Kong havoc to hurt China|work=Reuters |date=10 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190609233716/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-march-china-idUSKCN1TA0U4 |archive-date=9 June 2019|url-status=live |access-date=28 August 2019}} Beijing accused the movement of displaying characteristics of colour revolutions" and signs of terrorism.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3021877/protests-colour-revolution-threatening-hong-kong-abyss-top|title=Hong Kong protests have 'obvious characteristics of colour revolution', top Beijing official warns amid 'worst crisis since 1997 handover'|first=Kimmy|last=Chung |website=South China Morning Post |date=8 August 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=http://www.ejinsight.com/20190813-beijing-says-violent-protests-in-hk-are-signs-of-terrorism/|title=Beijing says violent protests in HK are 'signs of terrorism' |work=EJ Insight |date=13 August 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190813104715/http://www.ejinsight.com/20190813-public-hospital-staff-hold-protests-over-police-abuse-of-power/ |archive-date=13 August 2019}} The Beijing government and state-run media accused foreign forces of interfering with domestic affairs and supporting the protesters.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/10/china-fury-hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-meets-german-foreign-minister/|title=China fury as Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong meets German foreign minister|last1=Hui |first1=Min Neo |last2=Weerasekara |first2=Poornima |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=10 September 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019|archive-url=https://archive.today/20190911001247/https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/09/10/china-fury-hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-meets-german-foreign-minister/ |archive-date=11 September 2019|url-status=live}} These allegations were rejected by Hong Kong pro-democrats,{{cite news |last1=Cheng |first1=Kris |title=Beijing deems Hong Kong protests 'colour revolution,' will not rule out intervention |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/08/08/beijing-deems-hong-kong-protests-colour-revolution-will-not-rule-intervention/ |agency=HKFP |date=8 August 2019}} and CNN noted that China had a record of blaming foreign forces for causing domestic unrest.{{cite news |last1=Westcott |first1=Ben |title=China is blaming the US for the Hong Kong protests. Can that really be true? |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/07/31/asia/us-china-hong-kong-interference-intl-hnk/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=31 July 2019}} On 22 October 2019, following protests and violence in Catalonia and Chile, the Chinese government accused Western media of hypocrisy for not providing similar coverage and support to those protests.{{cite news|url=https://edition.cnn.com/2019/10/21/asia/china-hong-kong-chile-spain-protests-intl-hnk/index.html|title=West is paying the price for supporting Hong Kong riots, Chinese state media says|publisher=CNN |date=22 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/catalonia-protests-china-hong-kong-chile-unrest-hypocrisy-12025908|title=China accuses West of 'hypocrisy' over Hong Kong amid unrest in Spain, Chile|publisher=Channel NewsAsia|date=23 October 2019|access-date=25 October 2019|archive-date=25 October 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191025033810/https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/catalonia-protests-china-hong-kong-chile-unrest-hypocrisy-12025908|url-status=dead}} Chinese diplomats and ambassadors in more than 70 countries broadcast Beijing's position on the protests to shape international opinion.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3026465/why-china-went-global-media-blitz-over-hong-kong-protests-and|title=Why China went on a global media blitz over the Hong Kong protests – and why it probably won't work|first=Kristin|last=Huang |website=South China Morning Post |date=10 September 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, and Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng repeatedly backed Lam's administration and the police.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3042235/hong-kong-leader-carrie-lam-told-chinese-premier-end|title=China's leaders praise Hong Kong's Carrie Lam over handling of protest crisis, but remind her she has yet to quell violence|first=Tony|last=Cheung |website=South China Morning Post |date=16 December 2019 |access-date=7 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3036547/no-country-would-tolerate-violent-and-destructive-acts-hong|title=No country would tolerate 'violent and destructive acts' of Hong Kong's protesters, Chinese Vice-Premier Han Zheng says|first=Tony|last=Cheung |website=South China Morning Post |date=6 November 2019 |access-date=8 November 2019|quote='Stopping violence and restoring order is still the most important work for Hong Kong society, the common responsibility of the city's executive, legislative and judicial bodies, as well as the biggest consensus of the city,' he said.}}{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/06/vice-premier-says-beijing-supports-hong-kong-authorities-leader-carrie-lam-saddened-3000-arrests-protests/|title=Vice-Premier says Beijing supports Hong Kong authorities, as leader Carrie Lam 'saddened' by 3,000 arrests during protests|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=6 November 2019 |access-date=8 November 2019|quote='[The central government] fully acknowledges the work done by [Lam] and the SAR government, and the dedicated performance of the Hong Kong police force,' he said}}

Chinese state media outlets largely ignored the protests until 17 April 2019.{{cite news |last1=Nip |first1=Joyce Y.M. |title=Extremist mobs? How China's propaganda machine tries to control the message in the Hong Kong protests |url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/07/16/extremist-mobs-chinas-propaganda-machine-tries-control-message-hong-kong-protests/ |work=Hong Kong Free Press |publisher=The Conversation |access-date=17 July 2019 |date=16 July 2019 }} The protests were mostly censored from Mainland Chinese social media, such as Sina Weibo, though state-owned media and Chinese social media users later condemned the protesters.{{cite news |url=https://www.ft.com/content/4c532828-8b3a-11e9-a1c1-51bf8f989972|title=Hong Kong protesters make historic stand over extradition bill |website=Financial Times |date=10 June 2019 |access-date=10 June 2019|quote=News of the massive protest was mostly censored on mainland Chinese social media.}}{{subscription required}} State-run media pressured various companies, including railway operator MTR Corporation and airline Cathay Pacific to take a hardline approach against employees who took part in the protests. Cathay Pacific saw its top managers "reshuffled" and began firing pro-democratic employees after the Civil Aviation Administration of China threatened to block Cathay's access to Chinese airspace.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3022284/aviation-regulators-measures-could-threaten-cathay|title=Aviation regulator's measures could threaten Cathay Pacific's access to the lucrative mainland Chinese market, and the airline is moving fast to limit the damage|first=Danny|last=Lee |work=South China Morning Post |date=11 August 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019}} Chinese media also attempted to appeal to the "silent majority"{{cite web|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/chinese-media-focuses-on-radical-elements-of-hong-kong-protests|title=Chinese media focuses on 'radical' elements of Hong Kong protests|first=Lim|last=Yan-liang |work=The Straits Times |date=5 August 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} and blame the protests on Hong Kong's education system.{{cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/china-watch/politics/education-flaws-linked-to-hong-kong-unrest/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200206160508/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/china-watch/politics/education-flaws-linked-to-hong-kong-unrest/|url-status=dead|archive-date=6 February 2020|title=Education flaws linked to Hong Kong unrest |work=China Daily |date=24 September 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} It also hailed police officers as "heroes",{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/society/article/3021987/hong-kong-policeman-filmed-aiming-gun-protesters-hailed-hero|title=Hong Kong policeman filmed aiming gun at protesters hailed as a hero by Chinese state media|first=Phoebe|last=Zhang |work=South China Morning Post |date=8 August 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} and demanded the government take more "forceful" actions and the court to hand out heavy punishments.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3031814/chinese-state-media-slams-school-18-year-old-shot-hong-kong|title=Chinese state media urges quicker trials and heavy sentences for Hong Kong protesters|first=Jun|last=Mai |work=South China Morning Post |date=7 October 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3020454/call-forceful-police-action-end-hong-kong-unrest|title=Chinese state media calls for 'forceful' police action to end Hong Kong unrest|first=Kristin|last=Huang |website=South China Morning Post |date=29 July 2019 |access-date=6 February 2020}} On 8{{nbsp}}March 2021, UK broadcasting authority Ofcom imposed a fine of {{Currency|125000|GBP}} on Chinese state broadcaster CGTN for having "failed to maintain due impartiality" in five programmes on the protests aired in{{nbsp}}2019.{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2021/03/08/uk-watchdog-fines-banned-chinese-broadcaster-cgtn-over-forced-confessions-and-hong-kong-protest-coverage/|title=UK watchdog fines banned Chinese broadcaster CGTN over 'forced confessions' and Hong Kong protest coverage|first=James|last=Pheby|agency=Agence France-Presse|via=Hong Kong Free Press|date=8 March 2021|access-date=10 March 2021}}

Foreign envoys reported the deployment in late August of a sizeable number of People's Liberation Army (PLA) troops to Hong Kong, well beyond the usual rotation and possibly doubling the number of PLA troops compared to before the start of the protests. Drills by the People's Armed Police were observed across the border in Shenzhen in August.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-army-hongkong-special-report/special-report-china-quietly-doubles-troop-levels-in-hong-kong-envoys-say-idUSKBN1WF0Z8|title=Special Report: China quietly doubles troop levels in Hong Kong, envoys say|first=Greg|last=Torde|work=Reuters |date=30 September 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190930122309/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-china-army-hongkong-special-report/special-report-china-quietly-doubles-troop-levels-in-hong-kong-envoys-say-idUSKBN1WF0Z8 |archive-date=30 September 2019|url-status=live}} On 6 October 2019, the PLA issued its first warning to the protesters, who were shining laser lights on the exterior of the PLA garrison in Kowloon Tong.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-pla/chinas-military-warns-protesters-they-may-be-arrested-for-targeting-hong-kong-barracks-with-laser-light-idUSKCN1WL08L|title=China's military warns protesters they may be arrested for targeting Hong Kong barracks with laser light|work=Reuters |date=6 October 2019 |access-date=13 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191006161648/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-pla/chinas-military-warns-protesters-they-may-be-arrested-for-targeting-hong-kong-barracks-with-laser-light-idUSKCN1WL08L |archive-date=6 October 2019|url-status=live}} On 16 November, soldiers appeared publicly in the streets for the first time during the protests, in plain clothes and unarmed, to clear roadblocks and other debris left during protests alongside local residents, firefighters, and police officers before marching back to the Kowloon Tong barracks. The government insisted the soldiers were volunteers, and that it had made no request for assistance.{{cite web |title=PLA soldiers sent onto Hong Kong streets to help clear roadblocks |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038049/pla-soldiers-sent-streets-hong-kong-first-time-protests |work=South China Morning Post |date=16 November 2019 |access-date=18 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191116184005/https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3038049/pla-soldiers-sent-streets-hong-kong-first-time-protests |archive-date=16 November 2019 |url-status=live}} The act was criticised by pro-democrats who deemed it a violation of the Basic Law.{{cite web |title=Pan-dems, protesters blast PLA's 'volunteering' |url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492648-20191116.htm?archive_date=2019-11-16 |website=RTHK |access-date=18 November 2019 |date=16 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191118023120/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1492648-20191116.htm%3Farchive_date%3D2019-11-16 |archive-date=18 November 2019 |url-status=live}} The Chinese government required goods mailed from mainland China to Hong Kong to be investigated while goods which were believed to relate to the protests were blocked.{{cite news |date=17 October 2019|title=China bans exports of black clothing to Hong Kong amid protests; all mailings to city 'severely investigated', courier firm worker says|url=https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3033312/china-bans-exports-black-clothing-hong-kong-amid-protests |work= South China Morning Post |access-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021002028/https://www.scmp.com/lifestyle/fashion-beauty/article/3033312/china-bans-exports-black-clothing-hong-kong-amid-protests |archive-date=21 October 2019|url-status=live}}{{cite news |date=18 October 2019|title=China stops couriers from shipping black clothing to Hong Kong amid protests|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-couriers/china-stops-couriers-from-shipping-black-clothing-to-hong-kong-amid-protests-idUSKBN1WX1CB|work=Reuters |access-date=21 October 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191021002028/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-couriers/china-stops-couriers-from-shipping-black-clothing-to-hong-kong-amid-protests-idUSKBN1WX1CB |archive-date=21 October 2019|url-status=live}} Chinese authorities also detained several individuals in mainland China after they voiced their support for the protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/news/2019/10/03/china-release-supporters-hong-kong-protests|title=China: Release Supporters of Hong Kong Protests|publisher=Human Rights Watch |date=3 October 2019 |access-date=5 April 2020}}

In 2019, large numbers of young online activists nicknamed the "fan girls" used VPNs to access Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to propagate nationalist sentiment in opposition to the Hong Kong protestors and China's foreign critics.{{Cite book |last=He |first=Lingnan |url=https://www.fulcrum.org/concern/monographs/vx021h696 |title=China as Number One? The Emerging Values of a Rising Power |last2=Yang |first2=Dali L. |date=2024 |publisher=University of Michigan Press |isbn=978-0-472-07635-2 |editor-last=Zhong |editor-first=Yang |series=China Understandings Today series |location=Ann Arbor, Michigan |chapter=Political Participation in China: Social Surveys as Windows to Chinese Political Attitude and Behavior |format=EPUB |editor-last2=Inglehart |editor-first2=Ronald |editor-last3=}}{{Rp|page=138}} Authorities ultimately sought to restrict their online presence.{{Rp|page=138}}

China further tightened its control in Hong Kong by changing the officials in charge of Hong Kong affairs in early 2020.{{Rp|page=182}} Luo Huining was appointed director of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in Hong Kong.{{Rp|page=182}} The decision was widely linked to the poor performance of pro-government candidates at the District Council elections in November, and predecessor Wang Zhimin's perceived poor judgment of how the protests evolved.{{cite news |last=Bradsher |first=Keith |date=4 January 2020 |title=China Replaces Its Top Representative in Hong Kong With an Enforcer |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/04/world/asia/china-hong-kong-wang-zhimin.html |access-date=6 March 2020}} Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office director Zhang Xiaoming was demoted and replaced by Xia Baolong in February 2020.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1508301-20200213.htm|title=HKMAO chief Zhang Xiaoming demoted |work=RTHK |date=13 February 2020 |access-date=18 February 2020}} The new directors triggered the Basic Law Article 22 controversy in April when they claimed that the two offices were not covered by Article 22.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3080577/controversy-over-beijings-liaison-office-role-deepens-after|title=Hong Kong government's flip-flopping in Beijing power row escalates tensions with opposition lawmakers, with mass protest planned|first=Natalie|last=Wong |website=South China Morning Post |date=19 April 2020 |access-date=2 May 2020}} In May, China announced that the NPCSC, China's rubber-stamp legislative body, would directly draft a national security law for Hong Kong and skip the local legislation procedures.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/21/china-proposes-controversial-national-security-law-for-hong-kong|title=China pushes highly controversial security law for Hong Kong|first=Lily|last=Kuo |work=The Guardian |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}} Political analysts believed that Beijing's action would mark the end of the "one country, two systems" principle and Hong Kong's autonomy as promised in the Sino-British Joint Declaration.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/china-signals-plan-to-take-full-control-of-hong-kong-realigning-citys-status/2020/05/21/2c3850ee-9b48-11ea-ad79-eef7cd734641_story.html|title=China to impose sweeping national security law in Hong Kong, bypassing city's legislature|first=Shibani|last=Mahtani |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/05/china-plans-national-security-laws-hong-kong-200521135932850.html|title=China plans new national security law for Hong Kong|publisher=Al Jazeera |date=21 May 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}} On 28 May 2020, the NPC approved the controversial national security laws for Hong Kong. The legislation allows the government's national security agencies to operate in Hong Kong.{{Cite news|last=Kuo|first=Lily |date=28 May 2020|title=Chinese parliament approves controversial Hong Kong security law |work=The Guardian|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/28/china-vote-npc-national-security-laws-hong-kong-us-protest |access-date=31 May 2020|issn=0261-3077}} On 30 June 2020, China implemented "Hong Kong national security law". Its 66 articles target crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, and includes serious penalties between 10 years of prison to life imprisonment.{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/30/controversial-hong-kong-national-security-law-comes-into-effect|title=Controversial Hong Kong national security law comes into effect|access-date=30 June 2020|website=The Guardian|date=30 June 2020}}

{{Further|Responses to the 2020 Chinese involvement with Hong Kong national security law|Overseas censorship of Chinese issues#Censored topics}}

As a result of the protests, many nations issued travel warnings for Hong Kong.{{cite web|url=http://www.thestandard.com.hk/section-news.php?id=209990&sid=50006293|title=Countries stress travel risks to HK|first=Cindy|last=Wan |work=The Standard |date=25 July 2019 |access-date=28 July 2019}} Demonstrations in reaction to the extradition protests also took place in various locations around the world, including: Australia,{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/jul/24/china-hong-kong-students-clash-university-queensland|title=Pro-China and pro-Hong Kong students clash at University of Queensland|first=Naaman|last=Zhou|work=The Guardian|date=24 July 2019|access-date=31 July 2020}} Brazil, Canada,{{cite news|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1472801-20190805.htm|title=Anti-extradition protests held in Canadian cities |work=RTHK |date=5 August 2019 |archive-date=5 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190805103606/https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1472801-20190805.htm|url-status=live |access-date=6 August 2019}} Chile, France, Germany,{{cite web|url=https://www.tagesspiegel.de/politik/vorfaelle-in-hamburg-china-geht-auch-in-deutschland-gegen-demokratieaktivisten-aus-hongkong-vor/25011814.html|title=China geht auch in Deutschland gegen Demokratieaktivisten aus Hongkong vor|work={{Lang|de|Der Tagesspiegel}}|date=13 September 2019|access-date=31 July 2020|language=de}} India, Italy, Japan, Lithuania,{{cite news |url=https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/news-in-english/19/1090902/hong-kong-solidarity-rally-in-vilnius-met-with-chinese-counter-protesters-photo|title=Hong Kong solidarity rally in Vilnius met with Chinese counter-protesters – photos |work=LRT |date=23 August 2019}} South Africa, South Korea,{{cite web |url=https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/world/breakingnews/2977410 |script-title=zh:韓國學生挺港海報遭中國留學生撕毀 雙方爆衝突打成一團 – 國際 |date=14 November 2019 |website=Liberty Times|language=zh-Hant-TW |access-date=14 November 2019 |author1=自由時報電子報 }} Taiwan, the United Kingdom, the United States and Vietnam.{{cite news|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3013748/berlin-brisbane-rallies-12-countries-express-solidarity|title=From Vancouver to New York to Brisbane, rallies around world express solidarity with Hong Kong's mass protest against extradition agreement|first1=Victor|last1=Ting|first2=Phila|last2=Siu|first3=Cherie|last3=Chan |work=South China Morning Post |date=9 June 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://hongkongfp.com/2019/09/30/pictures-40-cities-hold-anti-totalitarianism-rallies-solidarity-hong-kong-protest-movement/|title=In Pictures: Over 40 cities hold anti-totalitarianism rallies in solidarity with Hong Kong protest movement|first=Holmes|last=Chan|work=Hong Kong Free Press|date=30 September 2019|access-date=31 July 2020}} Solidarity rallies held by Hong Kong international students studying abroad were often met by mainland Chinese counter-protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/australasia/article/3019888/hong-kong-and-mainland-china-students-clash-rally-australian|title=Hong Kong and mainland China students clash at rally at Australian university|first=John|last=Power |work=South China Morning Post |date=24 July 2019 |access-date=26 June 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3030548/students-clash-university-campuses-taiwan-over-hong-kong|title=Students clash on university campuses in Taiwan over Hong Kong protests|first=Lawrence|last=Chung |website=South China Morning Post |date=26 September 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-49914304|title=Hong Kong protests: Sheffield university students clash |work=BBC News |date=2 October 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191003033309/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-49914304 |archive-date=3 October 2019|url-status=live}} Following the death of Chow Tsz-lok, Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng was heckled and jostled by protest supporters in Bloomsbury Square in London; she fell to the ground and injured her arm.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/11/15/hong-kong-justice-sec-teresa-cheng-injured-brush-london-protesters/|title=Hong Kong Justice Sec. Teresa Cheng 'injured' in brush with London protesters|first=Kris|last=Cheng |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=15 November 2019 |access-date=20 November 2019}} Some protesters in the concurrent 2019 Catalan protests claimed inspiration from, and solidarity with the Hong Kong protests.{{cite news|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/25/fight-oppression-hong-kong-catalan-protesters-hold-parallel-solidarity-rallies/|title='Fight against oppression': Hong Kong and Catalan protesters hold parallel solidarity rallies|first=Holmes|last=Chan |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=25 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/how-catalan-protest-tactics-are-inspired-by-hong-kong|title=How Catalan protest tactics are inspired by Hong Kong |work=The Straits Times |date=20 October 2019 |access-date=25 October 2019}} Protesters also formed the Milk Tea Alliance with Taiwanese and Thai netizens to counter online supporters of China, but it slowly evolved into an online democratic solidarity movement that advocates for democracy in Southeast Asia.{{cite web|url=https://qz.com/1919253/what-is-the-milk-tea-alliance/|title=Thailand and Hong Kong are brewing an anti-authoritarian #MilkTeaAlliance|first=Mary|last=Hui|work=Quartz|date=19 October 2020|access-date=20 October 2020}}

File:Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo remarks to the Press, at the Department of State DOD 107449649-5dd33804c3e81.webm commented on 18 November 2019.]]

Some protesters fled to Taiwan to avoid prosecution.{{cite web|url=https://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/component/k2/1502127-20200110.htm|title=Exiled HK protesters face uncertain future in Taiwan |date=10 January 2020 |access-date=13 June 2020 |work=RTHK}} The Hong Kong protests were considered a contributing factor in the landslide victory of Tsai Ing-wen during the 2020 Taiwanese presidential election. Tsai, who had repeatedly shown a supportive attitude toward the Hong Kong protesters, used the slogan "today Hong Kong, tomorrow Taiwan" during her presidential campaign, referring to the city's unrest as evidence of the threats posed by the "one country, two systems" principle to Taiwan's autonomy and democracy.{{cite web|url=https://www.ft.com/content/d1044236-21f4-11ea-92da-f0c92e957a96|title=Hong Kong protests loom large over Taiwan election|first=Kathrin|last=Hillie |work=Financial Times |date=23 December 2019 |access-date=14 January 2020}} Christina Lai from Academia Sinica concurred that the situation in Hong Kong created a sense of "urgency" for Taiwanese voters, as China's hardline reaction implied that they would use the same strategy to undermine Taiwan's autonomy in the future. Tsai's rejection of the principle enabled her to gain support from young voters.{{cite web|url=https://www.nbr.org/publication/the-impact-of-the-hong-kong-protests-on-the-election-in-taiwan/|title=The Impact of the Hong Kong Protests on the Election in Taiwan |work=National Bureau of Asian Research |date=23 January 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}}

In the United States, the House of Representatives, with one dissenting vote, and the Senate unanimously passed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in light of the extradition bill and protests.{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-usa/u-s-senators-seek-quick-passage-of-hong-kong-rights-bill-idUSKBN1XO2EU |work=Reuters |title=U.S. senators seek quick passage of Hong Kong rights bill |date=14 November 2019 |access-date=15 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115110358/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-usa/u-s-senators-seek-quick-passage-of-hong-kong-rights-bill-idUSKBN1XO2EU |archive-date=15 November 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-19/u-s-senate-unanimously-passes-bill-backing-hong-kong-protesters |title=U.S. Senate Unanimously Passes Measure Backing Hong Kong |last=Flatley |first=Daniel |date=19 November 2019 |publisher=Bloomberg L.P. |access-date=19 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120010147/https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-11-19/u-s-senate-unanimously-passes-bill-backing-hong-kong-protesters |archive-date=20 November 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-unanimously-approves-measure-backing-hong-kong-protesters-11574205044 |title=Senate Unanimously Approves Measure Backing Hong Kong Protesters |last=Duehren |first=Andrew |date=19 November 2019 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=19 November 2019 |url-access=subscription}}{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-protests-usa/us-senate-passes-hk-rights-bill-backing-protesters-angers-beijing-idUSKBN1XT2VR |work=Reuters |title=U.S. Senate passes HK rights bill backing protesters, angers Beijing |last1=Cowan |first1=Richard |last2=Zengerle |first2=Patricia |date=19 November 2019 |access-date=19 November 2019}} President Donald Trump signed the bill on 27 November, alongside a companion bill restricting US exports of crowd control devices to the Hong Kong police forces.{{cite web|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/27/trump-signs-bill-backing-hong-kong-protesters-into-law-in-spite-of-beijings-objections.html|title=Trump signs bills backing Hong Kong protesters into law, in spite of Beijing's objections|last=Wang|first=Christine |date=27 November 2019|publisher=CNBC |access-date=28 November 2019}} Various US politicians have expressed disapproval of corporate decisions related to the protests.{{cite news |title=The NBA landed in hot water after the Houston Rockets GM supported the Hong Kong protests. Here are other times Western brands caved to China after offending the Communist Party. |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/western-companies-apologize-china-communist-party-list-2019-10 |work=Business Insider |date=8 October 2019 |access-date=7 March 2020}}{{cite news |title=NBA sparks anger with apology to China |url=https://thehill.com/policy/finance/464748-nba-sparks-anger-with-china-apology |work=The Hill |date=7 October 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vox.com/culture/2019/8/16/20808691/boycott-mulan-disney-live-action-remake-hong-kong-protests|title=How the Hong Kong protests created the #BoycottMulan campaign|last=Frank|first=Allegra |date=16 August 2019 |website=Vox |access-date=15 November 2019}}{{cite magazine|url=https://time.com/5653973/mulan-boycott-liu-yifei/|title=Here's What to Know About the Mulan Boycott|first=Andrew R.|last=Chau |magazine=Time |access-date=15 November 2019}} On 29 May 2020, Trump ordered the removal of the special status enjoyed by Hong Kong due to Beijing's new national security law for the territory, after Pompeo declared that the city was no longer autonomous from China and should therefore, be treated as any one of Chinese cities.{{Cite news|last=Riley-Smith|first=Ben |date=29 May 2020|title=Donald Trump orders removal of Hong Kong's special status with US over new security law |work=The Telegraph|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/29/donald-trump-orders-removal-hong-kongs-special-status-us-new/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220111/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/05/29/donald-trump-orders-removal-hong-kongs-special-status-us-new/ |archive-date=11 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live |access-date=31 May 2020|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}

Dominic Raab, the Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom, urged China to uphold the promises it made in the Sino-British Joint Declaration, which was a legally binding international treaty.{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3042713/britain-urges-china-ensure-hong-kongs-freedoms-joint|title=Britain urges China to ensure Hong Kong's freedoms on joint declaration anniversary amidst protest turmoil|first=Stuart|last=Lau |work=South China Morning Post |date=19 December 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}} The UK had already stopped selling crowd control equipment to the HKPF.{{cite news|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-hongkong-extradition-britain/uk-says-1984-hong-kong-rights-treaty-with-china-is-as-valid-as-ever-idUSKCN1TR1F0|title=UK says 1984 Hong Kong rights treaty with China is as valid as ever|work=Reuters |date=26 June 2020 |access-date=22 May 2020}} Former UK consulate employee Simon Cheng was granted asylum in the UK in June 2020. He was previously detained by Chinese authorities who reportedly tortured him to force a confession that the UK was involved in instigating the protests, though Chinese authorities stated that he was detained for "soliciting prostitutes".{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-53252533|title=Simon Cheng: UK asylum for ex-consulate worker 'tortured in China'|date=1 July 2020|access-date=2 July 2020|publisher=BBC}} On 3 June 2020, Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced that if China were to continue pursuing the national security law, he would open a path to British citizenship for Hong Kong residents who were eligible for a British National (Overseas) passport (BNO).{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/jun/03/britain-could-change-immigration-rules-for-hong-kong-citizens|title=Boris Johnson lays out visa offer to nearly 3m Hong Kong citizens|first=Patrick|last=Wintour |work=The Guardian |date=3 June 2020 |access-date=5 June 2020}} After the passing of the law on 30 June 2020, the UK confirmed these Hong Kong residents are able to come to the United Kingdom with a five-year limited leave to remain.{{cite news |last1=Allegretti |first1=Aubrey |title=Hong Kong: Dominic Raab offers citizenship rights to 2.9 million British nationals |url=https://news.sky.com/story/citizenship-rights-offered-to-all-british-nationals-in-hong-kong-raab-says-12018810 |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Sky News |date=1 July 2020}} Following those five years they will be able to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom and, after a further 12 months with settled status, they will be able to apply for British citizenship.{{cite news |first=Greg |last=Heffer |title=Hong Kong: Which citizens can now apply to live in the UK – and how they can do it |url=https://news.sky.com/story/hong-kong-which-citizens-can-now-apply-to-live-in-the-uk-and-how-they-can-do-it-12018953 |access-date=2 July 2020 |publisher=Sky News |date=1 July 2020}} More than 200,000 Hong Kong residents have immigrated to the United Kingdom since 2021.{{cite web |title=Safe and Legal (Humanitarian) routes to the UK |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-system-statistics-year-ending-march-2024/safe-and-legal-humanitarian-routes-to-the-uk#british-national-overseas-bno-route |publisher=Home Office |access-date=23 May 2024}}

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet demanded the Hong Kong government conduct an investigation into police use of force against the protesters;{{cite news |title=China accuses UN human rights chief of inflaming Hong Kong unrest |url=https://www.dw.com/en/china-accuses-un-human-rights-chief-of-inflaming-hong-kong-unrest/a-51486730 |publisher=Deutsche Welle |access-date=29 November 2020}} she previously said that she was "troubled and alarmed" by the escalating violence used by the protesters.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2019/10/06/un-rights-chief-troubled-alarmed-hong-kong-violence/|title=UN rights chief 'troubled and alarmed' by Hong Kong violence |date=6 October 2019 |work=Hong Kong Free Press |access-date=7 October 2019}} Amnesty International praised the protesters for their dedication despite facing "abusive policing tactics" which include the "wanton use of tear gas, arbitrary arrests, physical assaults and abuses in detention".{{cite web|url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3048110/hong-kong-protests-amnesty-international-praises|title=Hong Kong protests: Amnesty International praises Hongkongers for standing up in face of 'abusive policing'|first=Tony|last=Cheung |work=South China Morning Post |date=30 January 2020 |access-date=7 February 2020}} Kenneth Roth, the head of Human Rights Watch (HRW), was denied entry to Hong Kong at Hong Kong International Airport on 12 January 2020. Hong Kong officials insisted that the decision to bar Roth from entry had been made in Hong Kong, not in mainland China.{{cite web|url=https://www.hongkongfp.com/2020/01/14/chinas-move-bar-human-rights-watch-chief-hong-kong-contrary-citys-basic-law/|title=Why China's move to bar Human Rights Watch chief from Hong Kong was contrary to the city's Basic Law |work=Hong Kong Free Press |date=14 January 2020 |access-date=15 January 2020|first=Sophie|last=Richardson}}

Several African countries expressed support for the Chinese government during the protests.{{Cite book |last1=Shinn |first1=David H. |title=China's Relations with Africa: a New Era of Strategic Engagement |last2=Eisenman |first2=Joshua |date=2023 |publisher=Columbia University Press |isbn=978-0-231-21001-0 |location=New York |author-link=David H. Shinn}}{{Rp|page=41}} In October 2019, Uganda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement that Uganda "firmly supports the one country, two systems policy of the People's Republic of China on the matter of Hong Kong and other areas" and that "Hong Kong's affairs are China's domestic affairs."{{Rp|page=41}} Also in October 2019, Tanzania's chief government spokesperson stated that the country supports China's one country, two systems policy, that the Hong Kong government was taking the best approach to the situation, and that other countries should support China.{{Rp|page=41}} In January 2020, Namibia's land reform minister stated that Namibia fully supports Chinese territorial integrity and sovereignty, including with respect to Hong Kong.{{Rp|page=41}} In June 2020, 53 countries, mostly in Africa, declared their support for the Hong Kong national security law at the UNHCR.{{Cite news |last1=Lawler |first1=Dave |date=2 July 2020 |title=The 53 countries supporting China's crackdown on Hong Kong |language=en |website=Axios |url=https://www.axios.com/countries-supporting-china-hong-kong-law-0ec9bc6c-3aeb-4af0-8031-aa0f01a46a7c.html |access-date=20 January 2021}}

At the 2020 China-Arab States Cooperation Forum ministers meeting, the Arab countries stated that they supported China's position regarding Hong Kong.{{Rp|page=57}}

{{Portal|Hong Kong|Politics|History}}

{{div col|colwidth=28em}}

• 25 August 2019 Hong Kong protest
• 1967 Hong Kong riots by pro-Beijing protesters
• 2010 Hong Kong democracy protests
• 2016 Mong Kok civil unrest
• 2020s in political history
• 2022 COVID-19 protests in China
• 30th anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and massacre
• Hong Kong 1 July marches
• Human rights in China
• Human rights in Hong Kong
• List of protests in the 21st century
• Sunflower Student Movement
• Umbrella Movement
• 2020 Thai protests

{{div col end}}

{{Notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category}}

{{Wikiquote}}

• {{cite web |title=Battle for Hong Kong |url=https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/battle-for-hong-kong/ |website=PBS Frontline |date=11 February 2020}}
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0007zp0/episodes/player "China: A New World Order" (Episode 2)], by the BBC, has the protests as central theme. {{Cite web|title=China: A New World Order – S1 – Episode 2|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/programme/b-gs3zek/china-a-new-world-order-season-1/ |website=Radio Times}}
• {{cite web |title=Hong Kong protests: China's Rebel City, in-depth documentary on 2019's upheaval |url=https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/series/3110172/hong-kong-protests-chinas-rebel-city-depth-documentary-2019s |website=South China Morning Post |date=7 December 2020}}
• [https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/06/14/how-an-extradition-bill-became-a-red-line-for-hong-kongers/ How an Extradition Bill Became a Red Line for Hong Kongers] – Podcast (33 min). Foreign Policy. 14 June 2019.
• {{cite web |title=Faceless: Inside Hong Kong's Fight for Freedom |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/y3gxy5/the-shortlist-with-suroosh-alvi |website=Vice News: The Short List with Suroosh Alvi (Season 2) |year=2021}}
• [https://www.pulitzer.org/winners/photography-staff-reuters-2 Staff of Reuters Photography] Pulitzer.org
• {{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/investigates/section/hongkong-protests |title=The Revolt of Hong Kong |publisher=Reuters |date=20 December 2019}}
• [https://www.bbc.com/news/av/stories-49157807/hong-kong-protesters-on-storming-of-the-legislative-council/ Why We Stormed Hong Kong's Parliament] – Documentary short film (5 min). BBC. 1 August 2019.

{{2019–2020 Hong Kong protests}}

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