BREAKING: Four protesters who took part in the storming of Hong Kong's legislature on Monday have spoken to AP, explaining why they felt compelled to do so despite the risks.
In this file photo taken Monday, July 1, 2019, a protester breaks the glass wall to enter the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Protesters in Hong Kong took over the legislature's main building Monday night, tearing down portraits of legislative leaders and spray painting pro-democracy slogans on the walls of the main chamber.
Chan thought of three protesters who had died and of the Hong Kong leader’s refusal to meet the activists. Though she didn’t want to break in, she believed her role was to support the others. Monday was the 22nd anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China, and the protesters were angry. For three weeks, they had tried to get the government’s attention by blocking streets, defacing police headquarters and occupying government offices. Along with more peaceful protesters, they were opposing the government’s attempt to change extradition laws to allow suspects to be sent to China for trial, but felt ignored.
“We knew getting into LegCo already is high risk,” Chan said, using a common name for Hong Kong’s Legislative Council. “But they had no hope. People trying to get in had one clear appeal, which is that there are three people dead already.” Chan walked into the complex with another member of her team, Nick, and began scouting the second floor for police. She was worried about the safety of other protesters. After finding none, she shouted orders on a walkie-talkie to her team: Smash security cameras, shatter hard drives. Seize the control room. And protect the library, which contained priceless historical artifacts.
“You taught me that peaceful protests are useless,” read one, sprayed by the entrance to the council’s main chamber.Chan, Nick and two others in the resource station interviewed by AP didn’t always think peaceful protests were useless. The failure of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy Umbrella Movement, which all four participated in, changed their minds.
Nick wanted to live freely, to forget about politics and live his life. He dreamed of opening his own artist commune in an abandoned industrial building.“There’s not much hope left in Hong Kong,” said Nick, now 24. “You can’t afford anything in Hong Kong. We just want a small place as our home, but we can’t afford it. We’re desperate.”
By the time protests erupted again this year, their resolve had hardened. This time, they donned masks and helmets, and braced themselves for demonstrations more violent than the Umbrella Movement.
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