Thread by @michaelmohk

3 years ago today, an event changed #HongKong forever: The police dispersed #antiELAB protesters outside of #LegCo on #Jun12. It marks the start of the (last) pro-democracy struggle of the city. A thread. (1/9)

At the moment when the police fired their first shot, I was being interviewed by the PTS #Taiwan. Link: bit.ly/3xi7STc. After the interview, I headed back to CITIC Tower and see what I could help. (2/9)

The atrium of the building was full of smoke and people were being treated by volunteer first responders. The police didn’t stop firing the teat gas outside of the LegCo and subsequently cleared off the area. The rest is history. (3/9)

3 years on, the city has completely changed. Most pro-democracy campaigners are in jail. People have to silence themselves for avoiding arrests. Together with strict #COVID rules which invaded personal life, freedoms of the city have all gone. (4/9)

Admitting failure of the pro-democracy movement isn’t a sign of weakness: It’s a chance to reflect on what has gone wrong during the struggle and to avoid it again next time. Some activists refused to admit so & ignored what they have done in 2019. (5/9)

I argue that such reflection could be painful and may be pushing radical activists to the corner but that’s exactly what we need. We can’t regroup ourselves in a more coordinated manner and respect fellow #HongKongers work if we don’t do it. (6/9)

The movement will inevitably move on its path towards division and polarisation if no proper dialogue is initiated.

People who remained in #HongKong accused those in #London to take advantage of the 612,... (7/9)

having forgotten the fact that they are still stranded in the city. This also shows a dialogue between HKers in HK and HKers abroad is needed. What do they want those who are abroad to do, and more fundamentally, do they want HK diaspora community to “help” them at all. (8/9)

I wish HK activists who have privileges to enjoy freedoms outside of HK can do their part. Making a carnival alike event on such a date makes no difference from rubbing salt on the wounds of HKers who are still in the city. (9/9)