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A city divided: Protests over Hong Kong's extradition Bill a manifestation of fears and dissatisfaction

Beyond the controversial extradition Bill that has led to massive street protests, Hong Kong residents fear that their rights under the 'one country, two systems' rule are slowly being eroded by new regulations that appear to extend Beijing's control over the city

Protesters outside Victoria Park on Sunday. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. A yellow jacket among bouquets of white flowers, written tributes
Protesters marching in Queensway in the Admiralty area on Sunday. Organisers said nearly two million people took part, although police put the figure at about 340,000. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Protesters outside Victoria Park on Sunday. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. A yellow jacket among bouquets of white flowers, written tributes
Protesters marching towards the central government offices in Admiralty on Sunday. Those who took to the streets came from all strata of society, including students. Entire families were a common sight on the marches, with parents saying they were exposing their children to democratic processes. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Protesters outside Victoria Park on Sunday. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. A yellow jacket among bouquets of white flowers, written tributes
A yellow jacket among bouquets of white flowers, written tributes and origami cranes and flowers outside Pacific Place. A young protester fell to his death from the roof while trying to elude firefighters after unfurling a banner last Saturday. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Protesters outside Victoria Park on Sunday. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. A yellow jacket among bouquets of white flowers, written tributes
Protesters outside Victoria Park on Sunday. Demonstrators took to the streets demanding that the extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Protesters in Tamar Park on Sunday. Young protesters have learnt from the previous mass protest: Many communicate now through secure messaging apps, use prepaid SIM cards and wear masks to obscure their faces.
Protesters in Tamar Park on Sunday. Young protesters have learnt from the previous mass protest: Many communicate now through secure messaging apps, use prepaid SIM cards and wear masks to obscure their faces. ST PHOTO: LIM YAOHUI
Elizabeth Law Regional Correspondent in Hong Kong and Claire Huang Hong Kong Correspondent
Updated
Jun 18, 2019, 07:44 AM
Published
Jun 18, 2019, 05:00 AM
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On Sunday, major roads across central Hong Kong were transformed into a sea of black as hundreds of thousands of the city's residents, including entire families, took to the streets demanding that an extradition Bill be completely scrapped, and for Chief Executive Carrie Lam to resign.

Organisers said nearly two million people took part in the march, although police put the figure at about 340,000.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on June 18, 2019, with the headline A city divided: Protests over HK's extradition Bill a manifestation of fears and dissatisfaction. Subscribe

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