What are the Hong Kong airport protests about?

Pro-democracy protesters gather against the police brutality and the controversial extradition bill at Hong Kong’s international airport on August 12, 2019.

What is the reason for the protests in Hong Kong?

The founding cause of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests was the proposed legislation of the 2019 Hong Kong extradition bill. However, other causes have been pointed out, such as demands for democratic reform, the Causeway Bay Books disappearances, or the fear of losing a “high degree of autonomy” in general.

Why are Hong Kong protesters targeting Starbucks?

Starbucks and Yoshinoya have been repeatedly targeted because of the owner of their Hong Kong franchises, while Activision Blizzard, the maker of World of Warcraft, has been subject to boycotts for trying to censor a pro-democracy player in Hong Kong.

Why did Hong Kong protesters use telegram?

Protesters use encrypted apps like Telegram to mobilize swiftly through multiple group chats, with less risk of police infiltration, an in-depth report published by Reuters earlier this month said.

What happened at the airport in Hong Kong?

The assault took place during a drawn-out occupation of the airport by antigovernment protesters in August 2019 that resulted in the cancellation of hundreds of flights and crippled one of the world’s busiest transit hubs for two days.

How has Hong Kong’s businesses and economy been affected by the massive protests?

The protests, along with uncertainties such as the U.S.-China trade war, sent the Hong Kong economy into a recession for the first time in a decade. Despite the pressure on the economy, Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng Index appear on track to end 2019 higher than where it started the year.

Who owns Starbucks in HK?

While Starbucks may be a US brand, the Hong Kong franchise is operated by a local company, Maxim’s Caterers. Annie Wu, the daughter of the Maxim Group’s founder, recently defended Hong Kong’s police and criticised activists as “radical protesters”.

How many Starbucks are there in Hong Kong?

The approximately 170 Starbucks outlets in Hong Kong pale in comparison to mainland China, where Starbucks has already opened 4,000 stores in over 160 cities, with plans to reach 6,000 outlets by 2022.

Is Telegram banned in Hong Kong?

WhatsApp and Telegram will not hand over user data to Hong Kong authorities. Facebook’s WhatsApp messaging service has suspended its processing of requests for user data from Hong Kong law-enforcement agencies following China’s imposition of a national-security law on the city.

Does Telegram work in Hong Kong?

On 28 August 2019 the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association announced that the Hong Kong government had plans to block Telegram.

Why are Hong Kong protesters blocking the airport?

Pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong have blocked roads to the territory’s airport, disrupting the operation of the major Asian transport hub. Trains to the airport were halted and roads blocked. Passengers had to walk to the terminal. Most flights operated as normal, but delays were reported.

What’s happening at Hong Kong airport?

Demonstrators hold placards in the arrival hall during a protest at the Hong Kong International Airport in Hong Kong, China, on Friday, July 26, 2019.

What are the main demands of the Hong Kong protest movement?

As the protest movement is leaderless, not everyone has the same goals in mind. But in general, five main demands have emerged: withdraw the bill, for leader Carrie Lam to step down, an inquiry into police brutality, for those who have been arrested to be released, and greater democratic freedoms.

Are Hong Kong’s protesters peaceful?

While the majority of protesters have been peaceful, frustration is building on all sides. Protesters are now demanding greater democracy and an inquiry into alleged police brutality during past demonstrations. Hong Kong’s billionaires are calling for order. And as unrest intensifies, Beijing’s tone is becoming increasingly heated.