Political pressure is growing in Hong Kong for its government to protect Edward Snowden, who has said he will remain in the city and allow its people to "decide his fate."
Yet Snowden is depending on a place that isn't in control of even its own destiny. Hong Kong has a separate legal system from mainland China and an avowed devotion to free speech, but it ultimately answers to leaders in Beijing, who may be wary of a confrontation with the U.S.
"Even we cannot decide our own fate," said Jerry Chan, 26, at a rally in support of Snowden on Saturday near the U.S. Consulate.