Thousands of Hongkongers defied a police ban to rally on the streets in remembrance of those who died in the Tiananmen Square massacre on June 4, 1989.
Largest Tiananmen Square memorial held in Hong Kong annually
This was in spite of a police ban, which was the first that prohibited the Special Administrative Region's (SAR) annual Tiananmen Square vigil in 30 years, citing the need for social distancing measures amid the Covid-19 pandemic, South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported.
The city has reported three new Covid-19 cases on Monday, June 1, which was the day when the public gathering was officially banned.
Nevertheless, the yearly organiser, Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements, rallied people to attend the vigil on Thursday, June 4, at Victoria Park.
Screengrab via Associated Press video
They called on the public to light candles across the city, and attend an online gathering too.
The world's largest memorial for the crackdown has taken place annually in Hong Kong since 1989.
Thousands gathered despite police ban
On June 4, crowds started gathering at the park from late afternoon.
Despite the park playing constant announcements that say gatherings are only limited to groups of eight in accordance with Covid-19 safety measures, the crowd grew bigger.
Image via Studio Incendio
Image via Studio Incendio
Hong Kong Free Press reported that some pro-democracy activists marched to the China Liaison Office after the candlelight vigil ended at Victoria Park, as an informal tradition.
Some were seen burning joss money as a way to honour those who died at the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Image via United Social Press
Nikkei Asian Review reported that while no police were seen entering the park, they were stationed right outside the entrances.
"One nation, one Hong Kong"
Unlike past vigils, where those gathered called for the vindication for the Tiananmen Square democracy movement, many this time shouted the popular slogan used in the pro-democracy social movement, "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Time".
They also chanted slogans that hint at Hong Kong independence, such as "One nation, one Hong Kong".
This was a departure from past protests, where independence from mainland China was not widely advocated.
The gatherings were mostly peaceful, except for shopping district Mong Kok, where scuffles between protesters and police broke out after the former threw barriers and traffic cones onto the road, The Guardian reported.
Many pro-democracy supporters have expressed their concern if they can still hold such rallies after the new national security law is drafted and passed by Beijing.
The law is likely to be enacted before legislative elections in Hong Kong in September, Reuters reported.
Hongkongers sing unofficial anthem in response to national anthem bill
Just hours earlier, the city's legislature has passed a national anthem bill that penalises behaviour disrespectful of the Chinese national anthem, "March of the Volunteers".
Those found guilty of insulting the anthem will be fined up to HK$50,000 (S$8,985), and face a jail term of up to three years.
The law, which comes into effect on June 12, also states that the national anthem should be included in school education to teach students “the history and spirit of the national anthem”.
As Beijing encroaches further on Hong Kong, anti-government supporters have frequently shown their displeasure by booing the national anthem.
Since the protests broke out in June last year, they have also shown their dissent to the Hong Kong and central governments by singing their own version of Hong Kong's anthem, Glory to Hong Kong.
Taiwanese gather to remember Tiananmen Square victims
Hundreds gathered in Taipei's Liberty Square as well to commemorate the victims of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Some activists from Hong Kong were present to rally the crowd too.
Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen expressed her solidarity with pro-democracy supporters in Hong Kong as well, writing on her social media platforms that Taiwan will never forget its own history, like China did.
Top image via Studio Incendio