Key figures in the Umbrella Movement: Where are they now?

Written by Paul Nelson, Graphics by Amanda Weisbrod

The 2014 Umbrella Movement was a 79-day pro-democracy civil disobedience campaign in Hong Kong. The protesters, many of whom were teenagers and university students, used umbrellas as protection from police pepper spray and tear gas, giving the movement its nickname.

Key figures in the movement continued to advocate for democracy in Hong Kong long after the initial protests ended. Here’s what they’re doing now.

Photo 1: Nathan Law, second from left, and other student protest leaders arrive for talks with authorities, Oct. 21, 2014. (AFP) / Photo 2: A wanted notice for Law, Aug. 30, 2024. (Reuters)

NATHAN LAW

Then: Student leader during Umbrella Movement

Now: London-based activist

After 2014

  • Became leader of Hong Kong Federation of Students in 2015.
  • Co-founded the pro-democracy Demosisto party in 2016 and was elected to the Legislative Council of Hong Kong but disqualified by the courts.
  • Eventually jailed in connection with his role in the Umbrella Movement.
  • Left Hong Kong after the passage of the National Security Law in 2020. He surfaced in London, where he was granted political asylum.
  • Hong Kong police have issued an arrest warrant for him and revoked his passport.
Photo 1: Alex Chow smiles as supporters encourage him in Hong Kong, Oct. 6, 2014. (AP) / Photo 2: Chow speaks at a New York rally, June 12, 2021. (Getty Images)

ALEX CHOW

Then: A main organizer of the Occupy Central campaign. Leader of the Hong Kong Federation of Students. Organizer and speaker during Umbrella Movement

Now: U.S.-based activist

After 2014

  • Eventually jailed in connection with his role in the movement.
  • Left Hong Kong about six months after the National Security Law was passed.
  • Studied in London and California, where he received a doctoral degree.
  • Has served as board chairman of the U.S.-based Hong Kong Democracy Council and is a current board member. He also is a founding member and advisor for Flow Hong Kong, a magazine for the city's diaspora.
Photo 1: Joshua Wong delivers a speech, Oct. 1, 2014. (Reuters) / Photo 2: Wong arrives at Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, March 2, 2021. (Reuters)

JOSHUA WONG

Then: Convenor and founder of the Hong Kong student activist group Scholarism

Now: In prison

After 2014

  • Co-founder of Demosisto, a former pro-democracy youth activist group that disbanded in June 2020.
  • Barred from running for office.
  • Jailed in connection with his role in the movement and after his release has been jailed multiple times.
Photo 1: Agnes Chow, center, and other activists at a protest, Aug. 31, 2014. (Getty Images) / Photo 2: Chow speaks from Toronto during an online interview, Dec. 5, 2023. (AFP)

AGNES CHOW

Then: Founding member of Demosisto and former spokesperson of Scholarism.

Now: In exile in Canada

After 2014

  • Ran for Legislative Council but was blocked by authorities.
  • Arrested and jailed for her role in the 2019-20 protests.
  • After serving her first sentence, she was rearrested under the national security law on suspicion of "collusion with foreign forces," then released on bail pending investigation, and subjected to a travel ban.
  • Forced to go on a patriotic "study trip" to mainland China. Allowed to study in Canada on condition she return to Hong Kong by the end of 2023. She later announced she was going into exile there.
  • Hong Kong police have listed her as a wanted person and warned they will "pursue her for life."
Photo 1: Benny Tai cries during a Hong Kong rally, Oct. 3, 2014. (AP) / Photo 2: Tai arrives for a court hearing, March 1, 2021. (Reuters)

BENNY TAI

Then: Occupy Central movement co-founder. University of Hong Kong law professor

Now: In prison

After 2014

  • Involved in plans to get pro-democracy legislators elected in Hong Kong.
  • One of 47 democracy advocates charged with conspiracy to commit subversion in 2021 for their involvement in an unofficial primary. Pleaded guilty and is seeking a lighter sentence.
Photo 1: Rev. Chu Yiu-ming, right, chants slogans as the movement kicks off, Aug. 31, 2014. (Reuters) / Photo 2: Rev. Chu Yiu-ming poses in Taipei, Dec. 1, 2023. (AFP)

REV. CHU YIU-MING

Then: Occupy Central co-founder

Now: In exile in Taiwan

After 2014

  • Convicted in April 2019 for crimes related to his role in the Umbrella protests and received a suspended sentence.
  • In 2023, published a memoir, "Confessions of a Bell Toller," on his life helping the needy and battling authoritarian rule.
Photo 1: Chan Kin-man speaks at a press conference, Oct. 1, 2014. (AFP) / Photo 2: Chan smiles after his release from prison, March 14, 2020. (AFP)

CHAN KIN-MAN

Then: Occupy Central co-founder. Sociology professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong

Now: Researcher at Academia Sinica focusing on the Umbrella Movement

After 2014

  • Forced out of Chinese University of Hong Kong
  • Jailed for 16 months for his role in the Umbrella Movement and released in 2020.
  • Leaves city to teach at a university in Taiwan in 2021
  • Gives final lecture in Taiwan in June 2024.
Photo 1: Joshua Wong, left, and Lester Shum, right, speak to demonstrators, Nov. 26, 2014. (Getty Images) / Photo 2: Shum shows his charge sheet, Jan. 7, 2021. (AFP)

LESTER SHUM

Then: Deputy leader of Hong Kong Federation of Students

Now: In prison

After 2014

  • Elected to Hong Kong District Council in 2019.
  • Ran for Legislative Council in 2020 but the government invalidated his nomination.
  • Sentenced in 2021, for participating in an unlawful assembly in 2020.
  • One of 47 democracy advocates charged with conspiracy to commit subversion in 2021 for their involvement in an unofficial primary. Pleaded guilty.