Take a Look Inside the Holiday Protests

In mid-December, the organizers of the pro-democracy march say over 800,000 filled the streets of Hong Kong. That’s one tenth of Hong Kong’s population. From an overpass, it looked like a river flowing through the streets. But what made up that 8-hour flow of humanity, which marked the six-month milestone of anti-government protests, were Hongkongers who ranged from infants to octogenarians, from hand-holding families to fierce frontliners. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Hong Kong residents say that only one of their five demands—the repeal of the extradition bill—has been met. Until the other demands are met, including amnesty for all those arrested (over 6,000) and an independent investigation into alleged police brutality, they say they will continue to protest. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

For over two hours, pro-democracy protesters came into the park to express their anti-Beijing sentiments. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

On Dec. 10, hundreds of white-collar Hong Kong protesters spent their lunch break in Central’s Statue Square, writing Christmas cards to the protesters who have been jailed since the demonstrations began in June. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Some heard the chants of “Fight for Freedom. Stand With Hong Kong” from their offices and came down to the square to protest. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“David,” who is in finance and in his 60s, said: “I am here to say that there are people who work in these buildings who care about other things than just making money.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Many of the Christmas cards from the protesters were handmade and sent out over the secure messaging service Telegram. Protesters printed them out and brought copies to the square. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Ann,” who is a lawyer in her mid-30s, said the police “arrest the best and bravest of us, the kids. … The kids use themselves as human shields and the police heavy-handedly crush them. These kids are not radical. They are trying to save their future.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Sally,” a banker in her 30s, explained: “I go out to every protest I can. This is a fight for Hong Kong not to become China.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Stanley,” an accountant who did not give his age, said, “I grew up in Hong Kong and I go out to every protest. This is our future.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Emily,” in finance, who also did not disclose her age, said, “I am doing what I can because we will lose our way of life.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

“Juliet,” a bank employee and mother of two in her 40s, said, “I wear this mask today as a way to say I support the protests. But I also go out on the streets every time.” (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)

Graffiti mottle the walls and streets throughout Hong Kong. The government is quick to cover over and remove the pro-democracy messages. (Michael Nigro / Truthdig)