Hong Kong's Protests and its Future

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Hong Kong's Protests and its Future
For months, Hong Kong has been subject to anti-government protests over plans to allow extradition of suspected criminals to mainland China. The Hong Kong extradition bill was withdrawn in September, but demonstrations continued and they've now spread to reflect wider demands for democratic reform, and an inquiry into alleged police brutality. Throughout November clashes between police and activists became increasingly violent, with police firing live bullets and protesters attacking officers and throwing petrol bombs. The outcome of recent elections are seen as a stinging rebuke of Hong Kong’s leadership and a show of support for the protest movement. Does this mean the end of the protests? Is this most recent turn of events significant?

Floris-Jan van Luyn is a filmmaker and journalist who recently made a VPRO Tegenlicht documentary about the protests in China, titled ‘Hong Kong’s new heroes’. He worked for NRC Handelsblad, firstly as China correspondent and later as editor of and Southeast Asia and North America.

Moderator of this evening is Tjalling Halbertsma.

This event is organized in collaboration with Centre for East Asian Studies Groningen (CEASG) and Cultureel studentencentrum Usva.