Well, it made its own laws, had a different style of economy, had much greater freedom. From an outsider's perspective (mine), seems so.
But given that, what rectitude you suggest I (or they) fight for is unclear. It seems they prefer the UK legacy to the encroaching Chinese one. I'm unsure what you're saying (though I do agree with you about rights and justice, completely).
The protests seem to have become much more than that.
The final form of the protests don't address the frustration of HK residents over living costs.
Eg pressuring companies like Cathay Pacific, Big four accounting firms to take action against employees participating in lawful assemblies and protests.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2019%E2%80%9320_Hong_Kong_prot...