Crackdown in Hong Kong

As China tightens its grip on Hong Kong, the future of democracy in the city state looks bleak

• China’s crackdown on Hong Kong’s freedoms fueled mass protests in the city in recent years. The passing of new legislation that outlaws dissent has dimmed hopes the state’s autonomy can survive.
• The new national security law broadens Beijing’s powers to control the city’s politics, civil society, the independent press and most importantly, its pro-democracy movement.
• Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam stood firm with Beijing as it imposed drastic changes, making her one of the most divisive political figures in the city.
• In the most recent attack on the city's democracy, Beijing removed the Pillar of Shame from the University of Hong Kong - a statue commemorating the fallen of the Tiananmen Square massacre.
• Fearing China’s tightening grip, Hongkongers are leaving in droves amid warnings of a brain drain that might weaken the city’s economy.
• The crackdown on freedom of expression is also sending shockwaves through the city’s flourishing art and media scenes.