HONG KONG: Thousands of Hong Kong protesters lit candles and chanted democracy slogans as they defied a ban on Thursday (Jun 4) against gathering to commemorate China's Tiananmen incident, with tensions seething in the financial hub over a planned security law.
Crowds streamed into Victoria Park, which has hosted huge Tiananmen anniversary vigils for the past three decades, chanting slogans such as "End one party rule" and "Democracy for China now".
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"We are just remembering those who died on Jun 4, the students who were killed. What have we done wrong? For 30 years we have come here peacefully and reasonably, once it's over it's 'sayonara' (goodbye)," said Kitty, a 70-year-old housewife.
Smaller rallies took place across Hong Kong.
Police made arrests in Mong Kok as they sought to disperse protesters.
"Some black-clad protestors are blocking roads in Mongkok, Hong Kong. Police officers are now making arrests," police said on Twitter.
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Some black-clad protestors are blocking roads in Mongkok, #Hongkong. Police officers are now making arrests. Please stop gathering in groups to avoid #COVID19.
— Hong Kong Police Force (@hkpoliceforce) June 4, 2020
Reuters reported that pepper spray was fired in Mong Kok.
The Jun 4 anniversary has struck an especially sensitive nerve in the former British-ruled city this year after China's move last month to impose national security legislation and the passage of a bill outlawing disrespect of China's national anthem.
READ: Hong Kong legislature passes controversial China national anthem Bill
READ: Hong Kong risks new unrest with China anthem bill: Opposition
The Tiananmen incident is not officially commemorated in China, where the topic is taboo and discussion censored.
In Beijing, security around Tiananmen Square, a popular tourist attraction in the heart of the city, appeared to be tightened, with more police visible than on ordinary days.
In Hong Kong, this year's vigil was banned, with authorities citing coronavirus restrictions on group gatherings.
However thousands of people, including prominent democracy leaders, poured into Victoria Park on Thursday evening and lit candles as an act of remembrance and resistance.
People hold a candlelit remembrance outside Victoria Park in Hong Kong on Jun 4, 2020, after an annual vigil that traditionally takes place in the park to mark the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident was banned on public health grounds because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: AFP/Anthony Wallace)
Other vigils were held in local neighbourhoods, shopping districts and churches across Hong Kong,
"We are afraid this will be the last time we can have a ceremony but Hong Kongers will always remember what happened on June 4," said Brenda Hui, 24, in Mong Kok, where she and a friend stood with a white battery-illuminated umbrella that read "Never Forget June 4."
READ: Protests disrupt debate as Hong Kong legislature starts voting on controversial China national anthem Bill
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People were also encouraged to mark the day on social media with the hashtag #6431truth, referencing the 31st anniversary along with the date.
The European Union urged China to let people in both Hong Kong and Macau mark the Jun 4 anniversary as a sign of guaranteeing freedoms.
Thousands gather for a candlelit remembrance outside Victoria Park in Hong Kong on June 4, 2020, after an annual vigil that traditionally takes place in the park to mark the Tiananmen Square incident was banned on public health grounds because of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo: AFP/Issac Lawrence)
The US State Department said it mourned the Tiananmen victims and stood with freedom-loving Chinese.
Taiwan asked China to apologise, which China called "nonsense."
"In China, every year has only 364 days; one day is forgotten," Taiwan PresidenRead More – Source
