How four deaths turned Hong Kong’s protest movement dark

Julia Hollingsworth Anna Coren
By Julia Hollingsworth, Jo Shelley and Anna Coren, CNN
Updated 6:21 AM EDT, Mon July 22, 2019
Mourners hold candles during a candlelight vigil to commemorate a protestor who died last night during a rally against a controversial extradition law proposal on June 17, 2019 in Hong Kong, China.
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Mourners hold candles during a candlelight vigil to commemorate a protestor who died last night during a rally against a controversial extradition law proposal on June 17, 2019 in Hong Kong, China.
Now playing
04:41
Hong Kong: Tributes to lost friends
Pope Francis meets with Iraq's leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. The closed-door meeting was expected to touch on issues plaguing Iraq's Christian minority. Al-Sistani is a deeply revered figure in Shiite-majority Iraq and and his opinions on religious matters are sought by Shiites worldwide.
PHOTO: Vatican Media/AP
Pope Francis meets with Iraq's leading Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani in Najaf, Iraq, Saturday, March 6, 2021. The closed-door meeting was expected to touch on issues plaguing Iraq's Christian minority. Al-Sistani is a deeply revered figure in Shiite-majority Iraq and and his opinions on religious matters are sought by Shiites worldwide.
Now playing
01:42
Pope Francis holds historic meeting with revered Shia cleric
PHOTO: CNN
Now playing
02:30
Behind the scenes as Pope makes historic trip to Iraq
dr sasa
PHOTO: CNN
dr sasa
Now playing
01:32
Myanmar envoy to UN: It seems like they have a license to kill
meghan markle oprah entrevista harry esposa acusa familia real acoso mentiras inhs lkl max foster_00002717.png
PHOTO: cbs
meghan markle oprah entrevista harry esposa acusa familia real acoso mentiras inhs lkl max foster_00002717.png
Now playing
03:33
CBS releases another teaser for Meghan and Harry's Oprah interview
Now playing
03:49
He feared for his life in Nicaragua. Under Biden's new policy, he's safe in the US
screenshot myanmar funeral on streets
PHOTO: Reuters
screenshot myanmar funeral on streets
Now playing
02:26
Shocking images emerge from Myanmar as military cracks down
Screengrab of Our lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad, Iraq from Ben Wedeman's pkg
PHOTO: CNN
Screengrab of Our lady of Salvation Church in Baghdad, Iraq from Ben Wedeman's pkg
Now playing
03:04
CNN revisits church where massacre occurred ahead of Pope's visit
screengrab Japan oldest woman Olympics torchbearer Kane Tanaka
PHOTO: Source: Kane Tanaka
screengrab Japan oldest woman Olympics torchbearer Kane Tanaka
Now playing
02:43
This 118-year-old woman is set to break Olympic record
Sergey Aleksashenko
PHOTO: CNN
Sergey Aleksashenko
Now playing
01:15
Navalny ally: Of course I'm scared but I cannot hide myself
A split of a Muslim religious leader and the Archbishop of Westminster being interviewed by CNN's Becky Anderson.
PHOTO: CNN
A split of a Muslim religious leader and the Archbishop of Westminster being interviewed by CNN's Becky Anderson.
Now playing
02:14
Pope's Iraq visit is risky. 2 religious leaders explain why it's key
Middle east Iraq Christians pope francis Wedeman pkg intl hnk vpx_00000823.png
Middle east Iraq Christians pope francis Wedeman pkg intl hnk vpx_00000823.png
Now playing
03:44
What's behind the mass exodus of Christians from Iraq?
Screengrab for Paula Hancocks live segment on Myanmar
PHOTO: Twitter
Screengrab for Paula Hancocks live segment on Myanmar
Now playing
03:13
Video shows dramatic escalation of violence in Myanmar
Now playing
03:24
Author describes what happened when ISIS underestimated women fighters
FILE- In this Nov. 7, 2019 file photo, the International Criminal Court, or ICC, is seen in The Hague, Netherlands. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Wednesday, March 3, 2021 that she has launched an investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories. Fatou Bensouda said in a statement the probe will be conducted "independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favor."(AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)
PHOTO: Peter Dejong/AP
FILE- In this Nov. 7, 2019 file photo, the International Criminal Court, or ICC, is seen in The Hague, Netherlands. The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court said Wednesday, March 3, 2021 that she has launched an investigation into alleged crimes in the Palestinian territories. Fatou Bensouda said in a statement the probe will be conducted "independently, impartially and objectively, without fear or favor."(AP Photo/Peter Dejong, File)
Now playing
01:57
ICC to investigate alleged war crimes by Israel and Hamas
Attorney-General Christian Porter speaks during a media conference on March 03, 2021 in Perth, Australia. Attorney-General Christian Porter has publicly confirmed he is the cabinet minister named in a historical rape allegation from 1988 which came to light in the last week and has emphatically denied the allegations.
PHOTO: Paul Kane/Getty Images
Attorney-General Christian Porter speaks during a media conference on March 03, 2021 in Perth, Australia. Attorney-General Christian Porter has publicly confirmed he is the cabinet minister named in a historical rape allegation from 1988 which came to light in the last week and has emphatically denied the allegations.
Now playing
02:25
Australian Attorney General denies historical rape allegation
(CNN) —  

On a hot summer night earlier this month, a few thousand people gathered in Hong Kong to honor a 28-year-old woman who many of them had never met.

Under the glow of Hong Kong’s harbor-side Ferris wheel, they lit candles, sang songs, and left messages to her on colorful Post-it notes, calling her “brave.”

“We will accomplish what is left to be done,” wrote one.

The death of the woman – known to most of the world by her last name, Mak – was the fourth suspected suicide to be connected by local media to ongoing demonstrations, sparked initially by a controversial extradition bill that many feared could further limit freedoms in the semi-autonomous city.

The bill has been suspended, but over a period of just a few months the movement has developed into something bigger – and darker. Some demonstrations – including one on Sunday night – have ended in aggression, with protesters using metal barricades to charge police, and police firing rounds of tear gas to disperse protesters.

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.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Andy Wong/AP
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.
Pro-democracy supporters hold placards as they take part in a New Year's Day rally on Wednesday, January 1 in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy supporters hold placards as they take part in a New Year's Day rally on Wednesday, January 1 in Hong Kong.
Pro-democracy supporters wave flags during a countdown party in Tsim Sha Tsui district on New Year's Eve.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Pro-democracy supporters wave flags during a countdown party in Tsim Sha Tsui district on New Year's Eve.
Police arrive to conduct a clearance operation in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on December 31.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Isaac Lawrence/AFP via Getty Images
Police arrive to conduct a clearance operation in the Kowloon district of Hong Kong on December 31.
Protesters take photos of a 'Free HK' light display at a gathering in the Central district of Hong Kong on December 30.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: 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.
A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall at Sheung Shui district on December 28.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A man is detained by riot police during a demonstration in a shopping mall at Sheung Shui district on December 28.
A protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in the Jordan district of Hong Kong, early on December 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP via Getty Images
A protester reacts after police fire tear gas to disperse bystanders in the Jordan district of Hong Kong, early on December 25.
People celebrating the holidays react to tear gas as police confront protesters on Christmas Eve.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
People celebrating the holidays react to tear gas as police confront protesters on Christmas Eve.
Protesters march in Hong Kong.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Protesters march in Hong Kong.
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.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
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.
People take part in a march from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom in Hong Kong on December 1.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Philip Fong/AFP/Getty Images
People take part in a march from Tsim Sha Tsui to Hung Hom in Hong Kong on December 1.
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.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
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.
Pro-democracy candidate James Yu hugs his girlfriend after winning his seat in district council elections, early November 25.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Pro-democracy candidate James Yu hugs his girlfriend after winning his seat in district council elections, early November 25.
People line up to vote outside of a polling place in Hong Kong, November 24. More than 2.9 million people turned out to vote in Sunday's elections, which have been framed as a de facto referendum on the almost six months of ongoing protests.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
People line up to vote outside of a polling place in Hong Kong, November 24. More than 2.9 million people turned out to vote in Sunday's elections, which have been framed as a de facto referendum on the almost six months of ongoing protests.
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam casts her ballot for the district council elections at a polling place, November 24. In a statement Monday, Lam said her government "respects the election results."
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam casts her ballot for the district council elections at a polling place, November 24. In a statement Monday, Lam said her government "respects the election results."
A group of protesters leave the Hong Kong Polytechnic University holding hands before surrendering to police in the Hung Hom district on November 22.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Dale de la Rey/AFP/Getty Images
A group of protesters leave the Hong Kong Polytechnic University holding hands before surrendering to police in the Hung Hom district on November 22.
Protesters use clothes and helmets to form "SOS" at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Thian/AP
Protesters use clothes and helmets to form "SOS" at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 21.
Protesters raise their hands to represent the five demands of pro-democracy demonstrators during a rally in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the U.S., at the IFC Mall in Hong Kong, on November 21.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
Protesters raise their hands to represent the five demands of pro-democracy demonstrators during a rally in support of the Hong Kong Human Rights and Democracy Act in the U.S., at the IFC Mall in Hong Kong, on November 21.
Tables and chairs piled up to create a barrier are left behind by protesters who barricaded themselves inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Tables and chairs piled up to create a barrier are left behind by protesters who barricaded themselves inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
A Fire Services Department rescue diver prepares to enter the sewage system on November 20 to search for protesters who escaped from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A Fire Services Department rescue diver prepares to enter the sewage system on November 20 to search for protesters who escaped from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Police detain a group of people after they tried to flee the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus on November 19. Last week, thousands of student protesters streamed into the university and occupied the campus as the city's violent political unrest reached fever pitch.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Nicolas Asfouri/AFP/Getty Images
Police detain a group of people after they tried to flee the Hong Kong Polytechnic University campus on November 19. Last week, thousands of student protesters streamed into the university and occupied the campus as the city's violent political unrest reached fever pitch.
A protester uses a flashlight while crawling through a sewer tunnel to see how wide it is as he and others try to find an escape route from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
A protester uses a flashlight while crawling through a sewer tunnel to see how wide it is as he and others try to find an escape route from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
A protester walks through a gymnasium at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
A protester walks through a gymnasium at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 19.
Protesters react as police fire tear gas in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, Monday, November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Vincent Yu/AP
Protesters react as police fire tear gas in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, Monday, November 18.
Firefighters put out a burning car set on fire by protesters near Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Tsim Sha Tsui district on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Billy H.C. Kwok/Getty Images
Firefighters put out a burning car set on fire by protesters near Hong Kong Polytechnic University in the Tsim Sha Tsui district on November 18.
Police in riot gear move through a cloud of smoke as they detain a protester at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 18. Police have attempted to clear the university, which has been occupied by protesters for days as a strategic protest base.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
Police in riot gear move through a cloud of smoke as they detain a protester at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in Hong Kong on November 18. Police have attempted to clear the university, which has been occupied by protesters for days as a strategic protest base.
Police fire tear gas as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Polytechnic University via a bridge on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Dale de la Rey/AFP via Getty Images
Police fire tear gas as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Polytechnic University via a bridge on November 18.
A member of the police clashes with a protester at the Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
A member of the police clashes with a protester at the Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Protesters use a rope to lower themselves from a pedestrian bridge to waiting motorbikes to escape from police at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters use a rope to lower themselves from a pedestrian bridge to waiting motorbikes to escape from police at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
A protester throws an umbrella onto a fire at the barricaded main entrance of Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP via Getty Images
A protester throws an umbrella onto a fire at the barricaded main entrance of Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
An anti-government protester is detained at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Laurel Chor/Getty Images
An anti-government protester is detained at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
An anti-government protester is showered down by volunteer medical workers after he was soaked by a police water cannons firing pepper spray-infused water at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images
An anti-government protester is showered down by volunteer medical workers after he was soaked by a police water cannons firing pepper spray-infused water at Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 18.
Riot police fire tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Anthony Kwan/Getty Images
Riot police fire tear gas and rubber bullets as protesters attempt to leave Hong Kong Poytechnic University on November 18.
A protester prepares to shoot an arrow during a confrontation with police.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
A protester prepares to shoot an arrow during a confrontation with police.
Police use a water cannon outside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ISAAC LAWRENCE/AFP/Getty Images
Police use a water cannon outside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University.
A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at police on November 17.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
A protester throws a Molotov cocktail at police on November 17.
Protesters use a catapult to fire bricks at the police from inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 17.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: ANTHONY WALLACE/AFP/Getty Images
Protesters use a catapult to fire bricks at the police from inside the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 17.
A woman tries to hold back riot police from approaching the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Ng Han Guan/AP
A woman tries to hold back riot police from approaching the Hong Kong University in Hong Kong on Saturday.
Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails into a swimming pool on the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Miguel Candela/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
Protesters train to throw Molotov cocktails into a swimming pool on the campus of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.
Photos: Hong Kong unrest
PHOTO: Kin Cheung/AP
Protesters walk past barricades of bricks on a road near the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on November 14.