On Saturday, clashes erupted in the northern town of Yuen Long, where demonstrators were rallying against a violent mob attack that had taken place a week earlier. Barely 24 hours later, riot police used tear gas and batons to beat back protesters who were trying to reach the Chinese government’s representative office in the city.

Reminder: For nearly two months, the semiautonomous city has convulsed into demonstrations almost every day, in what has become the territory’s worst political crisis since it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997. The rallies were sparked by an unpopular extradition bill, now shelved, that has come to symbolize broader concerns about Beijing’s encroachment.

Voices: “I didn’t study politics or social science, but I simply understand how precious democracy is from life experience,” said a 63-year-old protester who is often on the front lines waving a British flag.

We spoke to other protesters, as well as pro-government activists on the ground. Here’s what they have to say.