AWARD YEAR
2021
CATEGORY
Community
GOALS
Reduced Inequality, Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions, Trust, Tolerance & Empathy
KEYWORDS
protest, police, DIY
COUNTRY
China
DESIGNED BY
Citizens of Hong Kong
WEBSITE
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/nov/15/mini-stonehenges-hong-kong-protesters-take-on-police-one-brick-at-a-time
Mini Stonehenges
Hong Kong protesters take on police, one brick at a time
Hong Kong protesters have alighted on a new way to counter the police, as the five-month old anti-government resistance grinds on and their tactics evolve further.
The latest strategy being deployed across the city involves protesters stacking bricks that resemble mini-temples across thoroughfares to function as roadblocks.
Locally dubbed “brick battlegrounds” or “mini-Stonehenges”, they have been hailed by many supporters as creative installations to deter the advance of riot police and stop cars from driving over thoroughfares.
It is the latest tactic adopted by protesters in the five-month anti-government movement which has seen metal and plastic roadside barriers used as make-shift barricades, umbrellas and cling film used to shield against tear gas and pepper spray, foam swimming boards and cupboard doors used as shields against rubber bullets and sponge rounds, and sporting goods such as bows and arrows used as weapons.