Episode 72: The Bleeding Bauhinia — A Conversation with Wilson Leung

In this episode, we chat with Wilson Leung, who is a founding member of the Progressive Lawyers’ Group (HKPLG) — a group of Hong Kong lawyers dedicated to promoting rule of law, democracy, human rights, freedom and justice — about the recent extradition bill protests in Hong Kong. Wilson breaks down the situation on the ground over the last few weeks and the build-up of tension between HK residents and the government ever since the 2014 Umbrella Movement. At the core of this tension is the complicated political relationship Hong Kong has with China ever since the former was handed over by the British to the Chinese government in 1997. We discuss how the youth of HK — who are at the forefront of both the 2014 protests and the current protests — are growing increasingly dissatisfied with the HK government and fearing their freedom and future in light of 2047 (which is when the current ‘one country, two systems’ structure expires and HK integrates fully back to China) happening within their lifetime.

Finally, we talk about how the international community can help support the fight for democracy in HK by keeping abreast of the protest news and participate in any actions around the world that support the Hong Kong people.

You can follow the Progressive Lawyers’ Group here:

Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.
Progressive Lawyers’ Group
‘Save Hong Kong from China!’ Hong Kong Protesters Call for Foreign Backing in Their Struggle for Greater Freedom — courtesy of TIME
Hong Kong-China extradition plans explained — courtesy of BBC
New generation of protesters bring Hong Kong to standstill — courtesy of the Guardian
Hong Kong extradition: How radical youth forced the government’s hand — courtesy of BBC
The return of Hong Kong’s umbrella movement — courtesy of CNN
What is next for Hong Kong’s protest movement? — courtesy of Al-Jazeera
‘One country, two systems’: How Hong Kong remains distinct from China — courtesy of CNN
What will be left of Hong Kong’s autonomy in 2047? — courtesy of Hong Kong Free Press
 
 
 
MUSIC CREDITS:
SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE
MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR
NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE