A riot policeman sprays pepper spray at a man as they disperse a crowd during a demonstration against "parallel traders" who buy goods in Hong Kong to resell in mainland China on Sunday, January 5.
Andy Wong/AP

In pictures: Hong Kong unrest

Updated 3:37 AM ET, Wed January 15, 2020

A riot policeman sprays pepper spray at a man as they disperse a crowd during a demonstration against "parallel traders" who buy goods in Hong Kong to resell in mainland China on Sunday, January 5.
Andy Wong/AP

Anti-government protests in Hong Kong, which have been ongoing since early June 2019, were initially sparked by strong opposition to a proposed extradition bill.

Critics feared the bill would allow citizens to be sent across the border into mainland China.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam withdrew the bill on September 4, 2019 but she refused to give ground on four other demands, which include greater democracy for the city and an independent commission into police conduct.

"We must find ways to address the discontent in society and look for solutions," Lam said. "After more than two months of social unrest, it is obvious to many that this discontentment extends far beyond the bill."

Pro-democracy supporters hold placards as they take part in a New Year's Day rally on Wednesday, January 1 in Hong Kong.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy supporters wave flags during a countdown party in Tsim Sha Tsui district on New Year's Eve.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Police arrive to conduct a clearance operation in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on December 31.
Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
Protesters take photos of a 'Free HK' light display at a gathering in the Central district of Hong Kong on December 30.
Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall at Sheung Shui district on December 28.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in the Jordan district of Hong Kong, early on December 25.
Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
People celebrating the holidays react to tear gas as police confront protesters on Christmas Eve.
Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters march in Hong Kong.
Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters stage a rally outside the US Consulate in Hong Kong on Sunday, December 1. Hundreds gathered Sunday afternoon outside the US Consulate for another pro-US rally to show support for President Trump after he signed the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act into law.
Vincent Thian/AP
People take part in a march from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom in Hong Kong on December 1.
Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
Pro-democracy candidate Jimmy Sham, right, celebrates with a supporter after winning his election in the Sha Tin district, early November 25. "Today's result represents (my constituency's) support to protesters. The government should immediately establish the Five Demands and respond to the public's voices," Sham posted on Facebook, referencing a long-standing protest slogan.
Vincent Thian/AP