In the summer of 2019, the largest pro-democracy protests erupted in Hong Kong against increasing civic and media censorship by the Hong Kong government and Beijing. Demonstrations lasted for months against a Beijing-endorsed legislative proposal that would enable extraditions to mainland China. In response to these peaceful pro-democracy protests, there were reports of police brutality, excessive use of tear gas, and rubber bullets endangering the lives of several pro-democracy activists, demonstrators, and political leaders.

In June 2020, a national security law was imposed on the city of Hong Kong, by Beijing, to establish security forces in the city and influence the selection of judges in the legislature. Authorities have utilized this law to remove all forms of any political opposition and democratic freedoms. Police have arrested hundreds of individuals under the law including several prominent pro-democracy activists, lawmakers, and journalists. Thousands have been arrested for participating in peaceful protests with several prominent pro-democracy leaders were forced to flee for their safety. The Hong Kong government has continued to redouble its efforts to weaken any pro-democracy voices and to pursue political prosecutions. Arrest warrants and bounties targeting prominent Hong Kong activists living abroad have been issued by authorities with several members of their families residing in Hong Kong being continuously harassed by authorities.

International organizations and human rights observers have openly criticized the violent restrictions and infringement upon liberal and democratic freedoms in Hong Kong. Several countries have voiced increasing concerns of Beijing’s crackdown and terminated their extradition treaties with Hong Kong.