Hong Kong’s protests started in June 2019 against plans to allow extradition to mainland China.

Until 1997, Hong Kong was ruled by Britain as a colony but then returned to China. Under the “one country, two systems” arrangement, it has some autonomy, and its people more rights. Critics feared this could undermine judicial independence and endanger dissidents.

The bill was withdrawn in September 2019 but demonstrations continue and now demand full democracy and an inquiry into police actions.