In 2019, Hong Kong erupted in mass protests, attracting thousands of young individuals eager to advocate for democracy. Among them was Chan Chi Sum, then 20, who found himself arrested under the national security law for his membership in a student political group. Just like him, a diverse group of motivated citizens joined the movement, including a software engineer who dodged rubber bullets and a social worker who walked alongside fellow pro-democracy advocates.
The protests, which began peacefully, escalated into chaos, resulting in violent clashes with police forces. Over the course of the uprising, more than 10,000 individuals were detained, and a significant portion faced severe consequences, with many convicted of crimes related to rioting and national security offenses.
The Chinese government's subsequent national security measures have effectively silenced public dissent in Hong Kong, curtailing the once-vibrant protest culture. While some of the activists have relocated or attempted to integrate back into society, those with criminal convictions face unique challenges. They struggle to resume their previous careers, as societal stigma and legal barriers continue to divide them from their peers who have moved on without them.
Stories of the 2019 protests serve as a reminder of the dire costs associated with the pursuit of democratic freedoms in Hong Kong, impacting the lives and hopes of countless young people for years to come.
