Photo report: Hong Kong protests against extradition bill

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Protestors count in tens of thousands, with many more joining as tensions escalate.
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CEIAS Research Fellow Martin Šebeňa is currently visiting Hong Kong, where mass protests against the government are taking place. The reason behind the prostest is the government proposed bill that would allow extradition of Honkongers and foreign nationals to mainland China, where they would face criminal investigations without the guarantees of due process.

This is is seen by many on Hong Kong as another step by Beijing to limit the Special Administrative Region’s autonomy and people’s rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s mini constitution.

Below is a photo report from the today’s protest by Martin. Unfortunately, his photographing journey came to an early end after he received a full blast of pepper spray in his face.

(You can click on individual images to enlarge them)

Main road in front of Legislative Council occupied by protestors. Umbrellas are used not only against rainy weather, but also as a shield against pepper spray and tear gas.
Empty trams parked on occupied streets as traffic came to a halt.
Empty trams parked on occupied streets as traffic came to a halt.
Main thoroughfare on Hong Kong Island is cleared of traffic after barricades have been mounted by protestors.
Main thoroughfare on Hong Kong Island is cleared of traffic after barricades have been mounted by protestors.
Makeshift barricades in front of the Legislative council and Chinese Army Headquarters (on the left). Protestors use metal barricades, trash bins and tree branches to enforce their positions.
Makeshift barricades in front of the Legislative council and Chinese Army Headquarters (on the left). Protestors use metal barricades, trash bins and tree branches to enforce their positions.
Protestors count in tens of thousands, with many more joining as tensions escalate.
Protestors count in tens of thousands, with many more joining as tensions escalate.
Entrance to the Legislative Council is heavily guarded by the police force.
Entrance to the Legislative Council is heavily guarded by the police force.
Policeman carrying a “less lethal” weapon is guarding in front of the Legislative Council.
Policeman carrying a “less lethal” weapon is guarding in front of the Legislative Council.
Hong Kong’s skyline provides a spectacular backdrop for the protests.
Hong Kong’s skyline provides a spectacular backdrop for the protests.

Image credit: Personal archive of Martin Šebeňa