Police officers in riot gear confronting protesters at a protest, with some officers behind a fire on the street, some using shields and batons, debris and water bottles scattered on the ground.

City on Edge:

Hong Kong’s Summer of Protest

Hong Kongers took to the streets on June 9 over a proposed law allowing extraditions to mainland China. Their demands grew, including one for expanded direct elections. They also want an investigation into the use of force by the police, and amnesty for arrested protesters.

It has become the biggest political crisis in Hong Kong since Britain returned its onetime colony to Chinese control in 1997.

Many protesters have voiced their discontent peacefully: in processions of hundreds of thousands of people, in ads in international newspapers, and on so-called Lennon Walls filled with handwritten notes.

But protesters have also been confrontational, occupying the airport and a mall, obstructing roads and trains and clashing violently with the police.

Text By Austin Ramzy

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A large crowd of people protesting on a city street surrounded by tall buildings, with some trees and traffic lights in the foreground.

Crowd of protesters wearing masks pushing metal barricades in an indoor setting.

Crowd of protesters wearing helmets and masks in an urban street, some standing on a plant-covered median, with buildings and cranes in the background

Police officers in riot gear using shields and releasing a flashbang or tear gas during a protest or riot at night.

Group of protesters wearing helmets and masks with filters, some holding umbrellas, squatting and kneeling on a wet city street during a demonstration amidst smoke and tall buildings.

A police officer wearing a helmet and shield is pointing a gun at a man with arms outstretched, holding a plastic bag, on a wet city street at night with bright signs and people in the background.

Crowd of people outdoors at night, many wearing black jackets, masks, helmets, and using communication devices, possibly involved in a protest or demonstration.

A person throwing a Molotov cocktail on a city street during a protest or riot at dusk or early evening. The person is wearing dark clothing and a backpack, with a cloudy sky overhead.

Crowd of people at night in an urban setting, many holding up smartphones with flashlight on, some wearing face masks, with tall city buildings in the background.

Police officers in riot gear detain protesters on a city street, with some individuals lying on the ground and a woman covering her mouth.

Group of people in a smoky area, some holding batons, some wearing helmets, with bright lights and a modern building in the background.

Firefighters battling a large building fire at night, with flames and smoke engulfing the structure.

Protesters with umbrellas and helmets amid tear gas and smoke, some kneeling and others standing, in a confrontation with police.

A large crowd of people gathered on the street at night, with some holding up their phones. An ambulance with its lights on is moving through the crowd.

Crowd of people holding umbrellas during a protest or demonstration in smoky or misty conditions at night.

Group of protesters wearing helmets and masks running on a city street under an overpass, with some holding umbrellas and others pulling or pushing each other.