October 6th, 2019. Despite the heavy rain, Hong Kongers flock to the SOGO streets to oppose the anti-mask law, which prohibits the wearing of masks during public demonstrations.
The Stairway to Freedom
Hong Kongers cross the street under banners draped above the traffic lights. They shout slogans like “Free Hong Kong, Stand with HK” and others.
Occupy & March
Hong Kongers have taken over the road in protest of the anti-mask law.
OUR GOV IS KILLING US
A protest against the anti-mask legislation. One of the bridges has a banner that reads, “OUR GOV’T IS KILLING US.”
Free HK
A march against the anti-mask legislation. On the ground, someone scrawled “Free HK.”
May Glory Return to Hong Kong
On the ground is a banner that reads “May Glory Return to Hong Kong.” On a rainy street, a middle-aged man stares at those words.
Proud To Be A Hong Konger
Some protesters are dressed in clothes with a sign that reads “Proud to Be a Hong Konger.”
A Deadlock
The marching crowd comes to a halt in front of the police headquarters. Masked protestors are keeping a careful eye on the police station to see how things will play out.
A Deadlock(2)
The marching crowd comes to a halt in front of the police headquarters. Masked protestors are keeping a careful eye on the police station to see how things will play out.
A Deadlock(3)
The marching crowd comes to a halt in front of the police headquarters. Masked protestors are keeping a careful eye on the police station to see how things will play out.
A Collision
The deadlock is broken by police using smoke bombs and tear gas from behind. When the demonstrators hear the sounds, they turn around.
A Collision(2)
Police breaks the deadlock by firing smoke bombs and tear gas at the protesters.
Protesters at the Forefront
Protesters at the front are watching the police firing smoke bombs and tear gas.
WARNING, TEAR GAS
From a pedestrian bridge in Hong Kong, a police team is firing tear gas. They’re also carrying a sign that reads, “Warning, Tear Gas.”
A Collision(3)
Protesters form a barricade, and the police continue to blast tear gas at them.
A Collision(4)
Protesters are splashing water to neutralize the effect of tear gas.
The Frontline Protesters (1)
Protesters on the front lines are staring at a police squad shooting tear gas.
Police, Tear Gas
Police begin firing tear gas at protesters. Despite the presence of many onlookers on the streets, the cops shoot tear gas without warning.
First Aid
A onlooker collapses to the ground because of the tear gas’s dust cloud. Nearby firefighters exit their car to administer help.
The Anti-riot Squad (1)
The HK police anti-riot team is positioned directly in front of the protesters’ barricade.
RESIST
To obstruct the police, protesters placed various objects on the route. On the trash can is an image of an umbrella with the words “RESIST” written on it.
The Anti-riot Squad (2)
Protesters are confronted by anti-riot police
The Anti-riot Squad (3)
Protesters are confronted by anti-riot police
The Anti-riot Squad (4)
Protesters are confronted by anti-riot police
A Wall of Umbrellas
Frontline Protesters set up an umbrella barricadeagainst the police.
Bricks, Helmets, “Revolution Now”
Bricks and helmets, which were used by the protesters, are scattered over the protest site. A garbage can landed on the ground. Someone has pasted a note that says “Revolution Now” to it.
The Frontline Protesters (2)
Protesters face off the HK police in the streets of Central, Hong Kong.
The Frontline Protesters (3)
Protesters face off the HK police in the streets of Central, Hong Kong.
Police Descending
Police decides to break off the crowd. The anti-riot squad charges forcefully torwards the demonstraters.
Making Arrests
HK Police are arresting demonstrators by subduing them and pinning them to the ground.
“Stand Back!”
The news reporters who are photographing the police arresting the protesters are arguing with the officers, who are shoving them away.
Protest graffiti(1)
Protesters’ graffiti can be found all over the streets.
Protest graffiti(2)
Protesters’ graffiti can be found all over the streets.
“Standing by you for 115 years”
A tram station has the words “Democracy, Freedom” scrawled on it. A message from HK Tramways may be found at the top of the station: “Standing by you for 115 years.”
Reporters on the Ground
The demonstration has come to an end. Reporters on the ground are either drafting their articles or monitoring for other developments on Youtube and Telegram.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere”
On one side of the wall, Martin Luther King Jr.’s words “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” are written.