Issue. 01
Feature
Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence
5 PROTEST MOVEMENTS TO FOLLOW IN 2020 Caoimhe Hanrahan-Lawrence
Last year, we saw an explosion of protests and revolts that have been simmering away over the past few years. There is a sense of possibility that is spreading across the globe, that change is possible. Here are five movements that continue to move forward and are worth keeping your eye on this year.
1) DEMOCRACY NOW: HONG KONG Demands: Full withdrawal of the extradition bill, inquiry into police brutality, reference to them as ‘protesters’ rather than ‘rioters’, amnesty for arrested protesters, dual universal suff rage in both Legislative Council and Chief Executive Council. Background: For the last six months, Hong Kongers have been f ighting an impressive battle for political f reedom. They are opposing mainland China’s attacks on their democracy and independent status. August saw Hong Kong’s biggest strike in almost 50 years and in November the pro-China party lost over 100 seats in the District Council elections. Highlight: The student occupations of the universities have been expressions of cooperation and unity. A student commented ‘I have cried several nights because I am touched by the sense of unity. The whole thing is built on trust; all the Hong Kongers helping. I don’t know him. I don’t know her. [He’s pointing at passing students, voice breaking.] But we are working together ... We don’t know each other personally, but we are allies.’ Symbols: The Hong Kong flag, umbrellas used to push back police, face masks to confuse facial recognition software, eye patches in solidarity with a protester blinded by police.
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