How Hong Kong’s protest movement endures, in photos

Hong Kong has been transformed for months by the enormous, constantly evolving pro-democracy protests.

One of the largest was said to have included nearly 2 million people, an astounding figure in a region of 8 million. Demonstrators have swarmed Hong Kong’s streets, public transit, and shopping malls, as well as its international airport.

The protests have also been answered with violence from police and organized-crime thugs.

This weekend marks the 12th consecutive one in which protests have sprung up, starting with a massive human chain that snaked through Hong Kong on Friday evening and continuing with attacks on “smart” lampposts that some demonstrators see as surveillance tools.

Here are images that showcase the enormous size of the movement, its longevity, and how, in emulating the power of water, the protestors have found strength in flowing movement and unpredictability.