Timeline of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests (December 2019)
This entry details the key events of the 2019–2020 Hong Kong protests that occurred during the month of December 2019. These protests, triggered by the controversial extradition bill, evolved into broader demands for democracy and police accountability.
December 1, 2019: Pro-democracy rallies continue throughout Hong Kong, often met with police intervention using tear gas and pepper spray. Clashes between protesters and police are reported in Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui. Several arrests are made.
December 2, 2019: A general strike is called for, with limited success. Small-scale protests persist in various locations, targeting traffic and businesses perceived as pro-Beijing.
December 6, 2019: Demonstrations take place in Central, with participants calling for international support and sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials.
December 7, 2019: A large-scale march is organized from Victoria Park to Central, authorized by the police. The march proceeds largely peacefully, although some minor confrontations occur after the officially sanctioned event concludes.
December 8, 2019: A major rally is held to commemorate the six-month anniversary of the first major protest. Organizers claim a turnout exceeding 800,000, while police provide a significantly lower estimate. The event is mostly peaceful, but smaller groups of protesters vandalize businesses and clash with police in the evening.
December 11, 2019: Clashes erupt near universities as protesters attempt to disrupt traffic and block roads. Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
December 13, 2019: Online calls for further protests circulate, focusing on disrupting the holiday shopping season.
December 15, 2019: Small-scale demonstrations take place in shopping malls, targeting businesses with perceived pro-government affiliations.
December 20, 2019: Protests continue in shopping malls and public spaces, with participants chanting slogans and singing protest songs.
December 24-26, 2019 (Christmas Period): Protests escalate during the Christmas holiday period. Demonstrations take place in shopping malls and tourist areas, leading to clashes between protesters and police. Police deploy tear gas and pepper spray, and make numerous arrests. Some protesters vandalize businesses and disrupt traffic.
December 28, 2019: A march is held in Sheung Shui to protest parallel trading, a practice where mainland Chinese traders buy goods in Hong Kong and sell them across the border. Clashes occur between protesters and police.
December 29, 2019: Further demonstrations are held in various locations, focusing on themes of police brutality and government inaction.
December 31, 2019: Protests are planned for New Year's Eve, but many are ultimately cancelled or scaled down due to police restrictions and public safety concerns. Smaller gatherings and protests still take place throughout the city.