Uncover the Hong Kong Protest

By: Yihong Zhu

Guest Writer

The Hong Kong protest started in March of 2019 and reached its climax in June and July. A group of Pro-Independent people, mostly students, caused the protest. They are often referred to as “NEET.” NEET stands for “Not in Education, Employment, or Training.” These NEETs were supported by the Democratic Party in Hong Kong. The goal of these protesters is to establish Hong Kong as a sovereign democratic nation.

Hong Kong was leased to Britain July 1, 1898. They controlled it as a Western democracy for 99 years. On July 1, 1997, Hong Kong was brought back under the rule of the Chinese government when the contract expired. Since then, China adopted the governing method of “one country, two systems” in which Hong Kong has its own government. This system is similar to the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the late 19th century of Europe, in which one country can govern itself while being ruled by the other country.

The protest began with the Extradition Bill the Hong Kong government was about to pass. The bill stated the government could extradite criminals, who have been

sentenced to at least seven years of jail and have committed crimes that are recognized internationally, to China. Hong Kong has been part of China since 1997 so in a true one country, two-system government, extradition should not be needed. The NEETS believe the bill is threatening democracy in Hong Kong, because without the extradition bill, criminals from other nations can flee to Hong Kong without being caught. With the extradition bill, these criminals can now be punished.

When the draft of the bill was first announced in March, nearly one-third of the citizens marched onto the street and protested. Soon after, the release of the bill was suspended by the government of Hong Kong. Most people quit protesting and went back to their daily lives. However, there is still a small portion of Pro-Independent people who saw this as a chance to attack the Hong Kong government. The NEETs were attempting to overthrow the government and using the bill as the rationale.

Activists are waving British and American flags, yelling “liberty” because they desire democracy. They assault the Hong Kong police by using firebombs, they block the main streets, they beat whoever stands against them, and they even stormed the airport.

Despite 6 months of protesting, the citizens of Hong Kong continue fighting for what they believe. There is no timetable for the protests to end.