A couple of nights ago, they were throwing Molotov cocktails during the anti-government protests in Hong Kong. However, when two of their friends were arrested by the police, they became afraid that they would be next. In a state of desperation, they reached out to a private online group that assists people in escaping to Taiwan. Shortly after, they found themselves on a flight to Taipei, the capital city. One of the protesters, with nervous eyes scanning the food court, mentioned, "We are running away from the law." "We had very little time to understand the situation." After leaving the airport, the group quickly got into a black van and drove away towards an uncertain future. They are part of over 200 young protesters who have sought refuge in Taiwan since the beginning of this year's Hong Kong democracy movement. This information comes from lawyers, pastors, and other supporters who have assisted them in leaving. Lawyers have reported that many protesters have recently escaped university campuses that were under police siege. The protesters are fleeing due to concerns about arrest and violence, as the confrontations between demonstrators and authorities have become more intense. Protesters are often met with tear gas, batons, and water cannons from the police. Some protesters have become more aggressive after feeling disillusioned that the peaceful tactics of the movement have not been effective. They have vandalized buildings and thrown bricks at police. Over 5,000 people have been arrested since the protests began in June, and hundreds are facing potential harsh sentences. While some are committed to continuing the fight, a growing sense of mistrust is causing some demonstrators to flee Hong Kong out of fear of unfair treatment in court or abuse, including allegations of sexual assault and rumors of torture, while in detention. Some individuals are seeking medical treatment in Taiwan after hearing about arrests happening in hospitals in Hong Kong. Protesters and organizers helping with the escapes emphasized the need to keep certain details and identities confidential to ensure the operation's safety. Chris Ng, a lawyer defending arrested protesters, explained that many are aware of the severe consequences they could face, such as up to 10 years in prison, which has led to a loss of faith in Hong Kong's judicial system. Ng has witnessed protesters missing court hearings and suspects they may have fled the country. He believes that even those willing to face legal consequences do not trust that they will be treated fairly or receive a suitable punishment for their actions. A covert group of supporters has become active along the pipeline from Hong Kong to Taiwan, organizing safe houses and coordinating the escape of protesters. Donors and aid organizations are covering the cost of plane tickets, volunteers are providing transportation to and from airports, fishermen are offering boat rides for up to $10,000 per person for the 440-mile journey, and pastors are arranging smuggling routes for protesters who have been arrested and had their passports confiscated. Chun Sen Huang, a lively 54-year-old pastor at Chi Nan Presbyterian Church in Taipei, humorously mentioned his familiarity with unexpected gatherings. He plays a key role in the network, serving as a liaison to coordinate travel plans, arrange accommodations, and connect protesters with necessary resources in Taiwan. Huang is always busy fielding requests on his phone, even during sermons and prayers. Recently, he was informed of a protester needing assistance after allegedly being assaulted by Hong Kong police. Additionally, he helped facilitate the arrival of 10 students who escaped from Hong Kong Polytechnic University during a standoff between police and protesters. Huang introduced them to a lawyer who assisted in obtaining temporary student visas through a Taiwanese university. A mother contacted seeking a new guardian for her 14-year-old son, who had thrown Molotov cocktails. Taiwan, an independent island, is a convenient and hospitable safe haven. Similar to Hong Kong, Taiwan has a tradition of accepting dissidents from mainland China. Despite Beijing's claim that Taiwan is part of China, Taiwanese leaders maintain their sovereignty. Many Taiwanese citizens have shown their support for the protests due to concerns about the Chinese government's influence on Hong Kong and how it may impact the future of their own democratic island. The protests were sparked by anger over an extradition bill, which has since been withdrawn, that would have allowed Hong Kong officials to extradite a fugitive to Taiwan for murder charges, even though there is no extradition agreement between the two regions. Protesters in Hong Kong feared that this legal change could be used to send dissidents to face trial in mainland China, where the courts are under the control of the Communist Party. While Taiwan has welcomed protesters, the government is proceeding cautiously to avoid provoking Beijing by enacting more lenient asylum laws. Many refugees who come seeking safety end up in a legal grey area with only temporary visas. Huang, a pastor in Taiwan for 22 years, has assisted dissidents escaping persecution from the Chinese government, but he has never seen an operation of this magnitude before. He compared it to "Operation Yellowbird," a covert network that helped hundreds of dissidents escape China and reach Hong Kong after the Tiananmen Square massacre in 1989, when Hong Kong was still under British rule. Huang remained hopeful, stating, "Darkness can never defeat light," as he led five newcomers into the church. "I am confident that democracy and freedom will ultimately triumph over totalitarianism." Making the choice to flee is a difficult decision for protesters. Ali, a student at Hang Seng University, has been arrested twice and faces charges that could result in a 10-year prison sentence. During her second arrest, she was detained in a parking lot with 70 other protesters for 48 hours. Ali described the lack of privacy, with male officers entering bathrooms without warning and overhearing other protesters being interrogated. She mentioned that she was accused of rioting without being given a reason. During her time in custody, she missed her first day of work as an associate teacher at a primary school and was subsequently let go. As she waits for her trial, her aspiration of becoming a teacher is fading. "It feels as if I'm picturing a previous existence," she remarked. "My prospects are destroyed," Ali stated from her grandmother's residence, where she currently resides. "I am left wondering what options are available to me now," she pondered, after having her passport taken away. With no legal means of leaving the country, she may have to turn to smugglers to help her escape to Taiwan by boat. However, she is concerned about leaving her elderly grandmother behind, who is unable to care for herself. The uncertainty of ever being able to return weighs heavily on her mind. Fortunately, there are groups of volunteers providing financial support to protesters seeking to flee the country. A 48-year-old social worker shared that she had personally funded the journeys of 11 protesters to Taiwan. The social worker, who does not have children of her own, expressed a sense of duty to assist young people and fight against totalitarianism. Despite the risk of legal consequences, she has been raising funds for protesters since July, particularly helping a 17-year-old who was expelled from his home by his parents for participating in demonstrations. She prefers to receive cash donations in person to avoid potential surveillance by undercover police officers. She mentioned that the majority of Hong Kong residents are not happy, rejecting Beijing's claim that the protests are being instigated by a small group of radical youths influenced by the USA. She emphasized that support for the protests comes from people from all walks of life. In Taiwan, protesters typically enter through regular channels and are granted monthly visas, which can be renewed. Daniel, a 22-year-old protester, has been in Taiwan since July on an extended tourist visa. He described his early involvement in the movement as "fairly radical," including storming the legislative building in Hong Kong, where his face was caught on surveillance footage. The next day, two police officers approached him on the sidewalk and informed him that they knew who he was. Daniel admitted that this encounter made him face the reality that he could no longer stay at home. Despite avoiding arrest, he feels uneasy as he suspects his phone has been hacked and he is being followed. He relies on a monthly stipend from an aid group in Hong Kong to cover his living expenses, but worries that it may not be enough in the long run. The stress has caused him to seek help from a psychologist, who identified post-traumatic stress disorder. Daniel stated that the most difficult aspect is the longing he experiences for everything he abandoned. Prior to leaving, he described breaking down in tears while standing at the foot of his home's staircase. This is a memory that constantly replays in his mind. He expressed his realization that he may never return to Hong Kong to see his home or mother again. Text from approximately 2019 belonging to The New York Times Company.