List of protests in Hong Kong
Protests in Hong Kong have happened for many years over democracy, rights, and government policies. Here are some of the most well-known moments, explained simply:
- 1967: Large protests and riots influenced by events on the mainland. The violence led to a government crackdown and later reforms to tighten control and improve social conditions.
- 1989: After China’s Tiananmen Square crackdown, many in Hong Kong showed support for democracy with candlelight vigils and peaceful protests.
- 2003: Hundreds of thousands joined peaceful marches against a proposed national security bill (Article 23) that many feared would limit freedoms.
- 2014: The Umbrella Movement saw students and activists occupy major roads for weeks to demand real elections and greater political freedom.
- 2019–2020: Protests began against a proposed extradition bill and grew into a broad movement for democracy and police accountability. The government later introduced a national security law in 2020, which led to arrests and tighter restrictions on protests and political activity.
- 2021 onward: After the security law, large street protests became less common. Many activists faced arrest, bans, or other legal hurdles, and new rules limited organizing and free speech.
Despite these changes, people in Hong Kong continue to discuss rights and politics through lawful channels, art, and online expression.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 06:40 (CET).