Hong Kong protests against extradition bill may look like Occupy – but young, leaderless demonstrators have learned lessons from the past

Spirit of camaraderie palpable as new allies look out for one other, whether through sourcing asthma medication or reminders to wear a mask

Clear division of labour also evident as lookouts on barricades report back on police movements while others run supply booths and first aid stations

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Anti-extradition bill protesters occupy Legislative Council road. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 6:00am, 13 Jun 2019Updated: 9:00am, 14 Jun 2019

Their faces wrapped in masks and T-shirts turned home-made balaclavas, eyes protected by goggles and arms covered in cling film, the hordes stood at the junction of Harcourt Road and Tim Wa Avenue, waiting for their cue.

“Advance now!” one young man standing on the metal barricades separating them from police shouted into a megaphone. Immediately, the protesters pushed forward, counting “one, two; one, two” almost in lockstep.

It was after 3.30pm but energy levels remained high. Many in the crowd had camped overnight to prepare for the day of reckoning – some said mourning, pointing to their funereal white and black outfits – as they tried to surround the legislature and block all roads leading to it.

Their singular mission: vent their anger against a hugely controversial extradition bill they said would mark the death of Hong Kong, as the city would allow the transfer of fugitives to jurisdictions such as mainland China where fair trials were not a certainty.

While the morning began peacefully, both sides grew restive as the afternoon wore on. When police began firing tear gas, smoke bombs and rubber bullets as the protesters surged forth, the response was calm, as if the youngsters knew instinctively what to do. Makeshift first aid stations popped up, towels were whipped out and volunteers went around giving saline to those who had their eyes burnt by the tear gas and pepper spray.

Earlier, the spirit of camaraderie among many who said they did not know the crowds beyond their immediate circle of friends was palpable. Someone shouted: “Anyone has asthma medication?” and the plea was repeated and echoed one by one throughout their ranks. Aid came within minutes, to applause from the appreciative crowd.

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Hong Kong protests against extradition bill may look like Occupy – but young, leaderless demonstrators have learned lessons from the past

Spirit of camaraderie palpable as new allies look out for one other, whether through sourcing asthma medication or reminders to wear a mask Clear division of labour also evident as lookouts on barricades report back on police movements while others run supply booths and first aid stations

Spirit of camaraderie palpable as new allies look out for one other, whether through sourcing asthma medication or reminders to wear a mask

Clear division of labour also evident as lookouts on barricades report back on police movements while others run supply booths and first aid stations