Hong Kong Protests
After a summer colored by protests, Hong Kong is polluted by tear gas. Good Trouble reached out to representative Wong Ka Ying of Hong Kong Artists Union, an anonymous collective that called for the strike on June 9th, to further understand the insidious nature of the anti-extradition bill.
Photography by Kenji Wong
What are some misunderstood details of the movement? Are there any details left out that you would like to highlight?
People are being hurt. The biggest TV Broadcast (TVB) news is pro-gov and many footages of police force hitting citizens are being edited and trimmed down focusing on people moving roadblocks…glad that Hong Kong people are peaceful, and no violence act can be captured. Moreover, the videos of HK police force using extreme violence to hurt young students, unarmed citizens and journalists are not shown on TVB.
Here are some clips of violence:
Photo by Kenji Wong
What is the most problematic part of the extradition bill?
“The tabled bill, if passed, risks seriously eroding the freedom of expression on which the work of artists and cultural workers of all disciplines depend. ”
On June 9th, a million took to the streets to demonstrate against Hong Kong government’s proposed Extradition to China law. The tabled bill, if passed, risks seriously eroding the freedom of expression on which the work of artists and cultural workers of all disciplines depend. It also undermines the city's reputation and credibility as an international art hub where ideas flow freely.
When the firewall between Hong Kong's rule of law and the Mainland judicial, and legal system is gone, we are all under the threat of being jailed for any reason.
How can we secure our freedom of speech? How can we know we are not becoming another political prisoner or dissident? Not to mention the incredibility of the chief executive who was not elected by the majority of Hong Kong people, and now has the final decision on the extradition of a fugitive.
Hong Kong is considered as an international art hub with no taxes -- full of auctions, luxury fairs, art developers, and commercial galleries. There is another side of Hong Kong Arts: we have dozens of local artists and art organizations who have been highly engaged with the city for years. Now, we see the fruits of cultivation after we planted our seeds of art. As Hong Kong citizens and cultural workers, it is our responsibility to use what we can do best to protect our freedom and safety. Innovation is Rebellious. As art labours, we are showing our solidarity!
Photo by Kenji Wong
Photo by Kenji Wong
Photo by Kenji Wong
What does it feel like to be in Hong Kong right now? To be amongst a million people fighting for their freedom.
Battle is not over. Though we are now in the dark. Alongside young students and teenagers, peaceful protests, we are proud to be Hong Kongers. We see hope and light before dawn.
The following five appeals are being requested from the protestors:
Completely and formally withdraw Extradition Bill.
Retract the proclamation that protests on 9th June and 12th June were riots.
Release and withdraw criminal charges against all protesters.
Thoroughly and independently investigate abuse of powers by the police.
Dissolve the Legislative Council by administrative order, and immediately implement Dual Universal Suffrage.
ACTIONS
Watch "Manifesto of Hong Kong Protestors” to further understand their cause.
If you are a journalist or news outlet, support the people of Hong Kong by spreading the word of the atrocities committed by the police.
Keep up to date with Hong Kong Artists Union
Author account for the Good Trouble hive-mind.
