Politics & Government

How Hong Kong’s protest movement endures, in photos

Hard hats required.
Hard hats required.
Image: Laurel Chor/Getty Images
By
Johnny Simon
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Hong Kong has been transformed for months by the enormous, constantly evolving pro-democracy protests.

One of the largest was said to have included nearly 2 million people, an astounding figure in a region of 8 million. Demonstrators have swarmed Hong Kong’s streets, public transit, and shopping malls, as well as its international airport.

The protests have also been answered with violence from police and organized-crime thugs.

This weekend marks the 12th consecutive one in which protests have sprung up, starting with a massive human chain that snaked through Hong Kong on Friday evening and continuing with attacks on “smart” lampposts that some demonstrators see as surveillance tools.

Here are images that showcase the enormous size of the movement, its longevity, and how, in emulating the power of water, the protestors have found strength in flowing movement and unpredictability.

A student wears protective equipment with his school uniform during a student rally on Aug. 22.
A student wears protective equipment with his school uniform during a student rally on Aug. 22.
Image: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Anti-extradition bill protesters march on July 1, the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from the UK to China.
Anti-extradition bill protesters march on July 1, the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from the UK to China.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
The annual pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong on July 1.
The annual pro-democracy rally in Hong Kong on July 1.
Image: Dale De La Ray/AFP/Getty Images
Anti-extradition bill protesters shout slogans as they march to West Kowloon Express Rail Link Station in Hong Kong on July 7.
Anti-extradition bill protesters shout slogans as they march to West Kowloon Express Rail Link Station in Hong Kong on July 7.
Image: Reuters/Thomas Peter
Riot police use pepper spray to disperse pro-democracy activists inside a Hong Kong mall on July 14.
Riot police use pepper spray to disperse pro-democracy activists inside a Hong Kong mall on July 14.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Protesters point laser beams at the Hong Kong Space Museum after a student leader was arrested for possession of a pointer on Aug. 7.
Protesters point laser beams at the Hong Kong Space Museum after a student leader was arrested for possession of a pointer on Aug. 7.
Image: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
A mass demonstration at Hong Kong International Airport on Aug. 12. after a woman was shot in the eye by a police bean-bag round.
A mass demonstration at Hong Kong International Airport on Aug. 12. after a woman was shot in the eye by a police bean-bag round.
Anti-government protesters on the march after leaving a rally in Victoria Park on Aug. 18.
Anti-government protesters on the march after leaving a rally in Victoria Park on Aug. 18.
Image: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
Protesters form a human chain during a rally in Hong Kong’s central district on Aug. 23.
Protesters form a human chain during a rally in Hong Kong’s central district on Aug. 23.
Image: Reuters/Kai Pfaffenbach
Protesters rally at the departure hall of Hong Kong airport on Aug. 12.
Protesters rally at the departure hall of Hong Kong airport on Aug. 12.
Image: REUTERS/Thomas Peter
Protesters march against the controversial extradition bill in the Causeway Bay area on Aug. 18.
Protesters march against the controversial extradition bill in the Causeway Bay area on Aug. 18.
Image: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Anti-extradition bill protesters wear embellished eyepatches, in reference to a demonstrator injured in clashes with police.
Anti-extradition bill protesters wear embellished eyepatches, in reference to a demonstrator injured in clashes with police.
Image: Reuters/Thomas Peter
Lawyers and legal professionals gather outside of Justice Place after a silent march during a protest on Aug. 7.
Lawyers and legal professionals gather outside of Justice Place after a silent march during a protest on Aug. 7.
Image: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters light up their phones and cover their right eyes as they form a human chain along Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Promenade on Aug. 23.
Protesters light up their phones and cover their right eyes as they form a human chain along Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom Promenade on Aug. 23.
Image: REUTERS/Willy Kurniawan
Police clash with anti-government protesters at the airport in Hong Kong on Aug 13.
Police clash with anti-government protesters at the airport in Hong Kong on Aug 13.
Image: Reuters/Thomas Peterw
Riot police form a line during a demonstration in the area of Sai Wan on July 28.
Riot police form a line during a demonstration in the area of Sai Wan on July 28.
Image: Laurel Chor/Getty Images
Police fire tear gas at protesters during clashes in Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong on Aug. 14.
Police fire tear gas at protesters during clashes in Sham Shui Po in Hong Kong on Aug. 14.
Image: Reuters/Thomas Peter
Pro-democracy protesters throw back tear gas fired by the police during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po district in Hong Kong on Aug. 11.
Pro-democracy protesters throw back tear gas fired by the police during a demonstration in the Sham Shui Po district in Hong Kong on Aug. 11.
Image: Anthony WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
A protester covers her eyes with gauze during a mass demonstration on Aug 12.
A protester covers her eyes with gauze during a mass demonstration on Aug 12.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Protesters stop the door of a subway from closing to allow others to board after a clash with police at a shopping mall on July 14.
Protesters stop the door of a subway from closing to allow others to board after a clash with police at a shopping mall on July 14.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Protesters hold a banner after they broke into the parliament chamber of the government headquarters on July 1.
Protesters hold a banner after they broke into the parliament chamber of the government headquarters on July 1.
Image: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Demonstrators hold up banners during a rally on July 5.
Demonstrators hold up banners during a rally on July 5.
Image: HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images
Demonstrators march in the Tseung Kwan O district on Aug. 4
Demonstrators march in the Tseung Kwan O district on Aug. 4
Image: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A child is part of a rally to demand democracy and political reforms in Hong Kong on Aug. 18.
A child is part of a rally to demand democracy and political reforms in Hong Kong on Aug. 18.
Image: Reuters/Thomas Peter
Memos and posters on the “Lennon Walls” at Tai Po in Hong Kong on Aug. 9.
Memos and posters on the “Lennon Walls” at Tai Po in Hong Kong on Aug. 9.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Time-lapse photo shows protesters using the flashlights from their phones as they march on July 1
Time-lapse photo shows protesters using the flashlights from their phones as they march on July 1
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu
Protesters’ phones show the human chain atop of iconic Lion Rock on Aug. 23.
Protesters’ phones show the human chain atop of iconic Lion Rock on Aug. 23.
Image: Reuters/Tyrone Siu