Bring justice to those killed in 1967 Hong Kong riots, attendees demand at 50th anniversary event

Bring justice to the patriotic “heroes” who gave their lives to the anti-colonial government riots in 1967, over 100 retired leftist workers demanded on the 50th anniversary of Hong Kong’s worst ever unrest.

And for the first time ever, they were joined by pro-Beijing lawmakers and labour unions to commemorate the incident, which left over 50 dead and remains a sensitive topic to this day.

On Sunday, the group of mostly leftists and their families arrived at Wo Hop Shek public cemetery in Fanling, where 16 fellow workers killed during the riots were buried.

After a moment’s silence, a speech was read out by Chan Shi-yuen of the 67 Synergy Group, which has organised the annual memorial service since 2011.

“Martyrs, we did not forget. Fifty years ago you sacrificed yourselves to defend the nation’s dignity and Hongkongers’ interests,” he said.

“[But] your families were left in endless anger, grief and hardships ... we must demand justice. You are not rioters. You are national heroes!”

He confirmed later than an exhibition would be held in the coming months to show the public the “real” history of what had happened.