On the streets they demanded a release from a zero-Covid policy that has been in force for nearly three years. In Shanghai, protesters had been quiet at first. They had gathered to pay tribute to victims of an apartment block fire in the western Xinjiang region. Many believed Covid measures had prevented escape from the flames. So under a heavy police guard, they grieved. They held up blank papers in protest, laid flowers, remained silent. Then some began to shout: "Freedom! We want freedom! ...