Protests broke out last year over a bill that potentially allowed people in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China, which critics viewed as an erosion of the city’s legal autonomy which would put Hong Kongers at the risk of political persecution from mainland authorities. The movement then became about the wider topic of democratic freedoms. Despite China agreeing to allow ‘one person, one vote’ in elections for the city Chief Executive, the position is elected by a 2,000 member committee widely considered to be pro-Beijing.Those arrested include Martin Lee, often touted as the godfather of Hong Kong democracy.