Roberto Bolaño's 2666, The Classic of Poetry, a Chinese dictionary are among books a 19 yro has prepared for his jail term. Tens of thousands were arrested by #HongKong police since protests erupted in 2019, this is a story on what happens afterwards. https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-02-05/hong-kongs-arrested-protesters-now-face-years-of-fear-and-limbo

While all eyes are on covid, the national security law and high-profile arrests, thousands are languishing in a grueling legal process that can go on till 2024 and end in years of jail. Some like Five Mouths, the 19 yro and Lau, a social worker, are doing what they can to cope.

But many, esp. the teenagers, have sunk into depression, daunted by the uncertainty and a jail term that is equivalent to 1/3 of their lives. "Many eventually reach a stage where they hide themselves, not willing to communicate or face the reality,” said a lawyer.

A remnant network of supporters is still trying to demonstrate solidarity. A protester who had served his term, offered advice to others in a Q&A session on Instagram story. Another opened a snack shop to offer free emergency packages to those who land in jail unexpectedly.