Hong Kong marks a year of pro-democracy protests on June 9, 2020.

Seven months of massive and often violent demonstrations followed from the start on June 9, 2019, with as many as one million people taking to the streets to oppose a bill allowing extraditions to mainland China.

One year on, it is arguable if Hong Kong has seen more freedom than when protests started.

The city is experiencing a lull in unrest, as mass arrests, Covid-19 bans on gatherings and a looming national security law, all keep city-wide clashes at bay.

Battle for Hong Kong

The battle for Hong Kong escalated when the government dug in after weeks of escalation.

Pitched battles between police and protesters became routine, as civilians also turned on civilians, with two sides supporting opposing factions.

The city's reputation for stability took a beating as well, as large swathes of the population revolted against Beijing's rule.

Among the most successful tactics employed by the resistance was the setting up of multiple messaging groups to call on protesters to hold flashmob gatherings in the evening.

The leaderless movement announced locations only an hour ahead of time. 

Covid-19 disrupted disruption

As with how unexpected the Hong Kong protests started and snowballed, its progress was stymied by a virus widely believed to have originated in China.

Enforcing anti-virus restrictions during this outbreak has seen the police move in more swiftly on such gatherings, which are outlawed in the interest of public health.

In coming days, student groups and unions have also announced plans to gather members over possible strike action in coming days.

The only downside is that Hong Kong's labour movement has limited influence.

Chief executive questioned

City leader and chief executive Carrie Lam, an unpopular pro-Beijing appointee, was questioned by reporters on Tuesday, June 9 about the unrest under her tenure.

"Hong Kong cannot afford such chaos," she said.

She added that all sides needed to "learn lessons".

Lam also said that residents needed "to prove that Hong Kong people are reasonable and sensible citizens of the People's Republic of China" if they want their freedoms and autonomy to continue.

Only one demand met

The protest movement's core demands, such as universal suffrage and an inquiry into police tactics, have all been rejected by the city's leadership and Beijing.

Only the withdrawal of the extradition bill was seen to.

In light of the ongoing sporadic protests as the pandemic subsides, China has unveiled plans to impose a more sweeping law that will bypass the city's legislature entirely.

The new law will ban subversion, secession, terrorism and foreign interference. 

China says an anti-subversion law will only target "a small minority" and will restore business confidence. 

International firms, such as HSBC and Standard Chartered, have issued supportive statements. 

Their profitability relies on access to mainland markets.

Protests resilient thus far

In a speech on Monday, Zhang Xiaoming, the deputy head of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, likened the law to "anti-virus software".

Opponents fear the law will bring mainland-style political oppression.

Anti-subversion laws are routinely used there to stamp out dissent.

In one year, around 9,000 people have been arrested and more than 1,700 people charged.

In January, when Covid-19 started spreading in earnest, the protest movement was already slowing.

The virus has made any protest effectively illegal, with emergency laws banning gatherings of more than eight people, even though local transmission has been virtually eradicated.

Still, protests have bubbled up again since the security law plans were announced.

Tens of thousands defied a ban on a June 4 gathering to mark the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown.

Will Hong Kong proceed further down the protest path to mark a second year anniversary?

Top photo via Hong Kong Apple Daily News live stream