I view this entire protest as a reaction to the gradual and deliberate erosion of our promised rights and freedoms over the last 22 years. They started peacefully, but the government refused to budge and unleashed the police, which led to continuous escalation of violence.
The big issue now is police brutality. Basically they have a blank cheque to do whatever it takes to crush us. This meant indiscriminate arrests for flimsy reasons, excessive use of guns, tear gas and batons, intimidation and torture. You could be stopped and searched for walking around with a black T-shirt, or beaten up because you shouted insults at them, or charged with rioting (up to 10 years imprisonment) because you happened to be in the vicinity of a protest. None of them the cops have to face any consequences at all.
Last week the government has invoked emergency powers. Face masks were banned, but they are probably going to abuse it to impose more laws like a curfew, ban of public assembly, seizure of property, and cancellation of district elections (which they are likely to lose btw). A lot of us view this as equivalent to suspending the constitution and legislature.
If you want my perspective... fuck the cops, fuck the CCP, fuck the government, and fuck their supporters. I value my life too much to actually go out to fight, but I do try to spread awareness online when I have the time. If the movement fails in the end I'm going to emigrate.
