Pro-democracy activists stage flash mob protest outside Hong Kong’s Legislative Council during first reading of Chinese national anthem bill
- Demosisto leader Joshua Wong and fellow activists unfurl banner reading ‘Freedom to not sing praises’ outside government headquarters
- The bill presented in the afternoon holds up March of the Volunteers as a symbol of China in Hong Kong and makes publicly and intentionally insulting the anthem a crime
Pro-democracy activists from a youth group staged a guerilla protest at government headquarters on Wednesday, unfurling a black banner against a bill being tabled in the legislature to outlaw abuse of China’s national anthem.
While lawmakers finished the first reading of the bill without incident in the Legislative Council, the government condemned and reported to police the flash mob protest outside in the public square by Demosisto leader Joshua Wong Chi-fung and fellow activists.
The group walked into the area popularly known as “Civic Square” then rushed past unsuspecting security guards to unfurl a banner declaring “Freedom not to sing praises”. It was over within a few minutes – after minor scuffles with security – and they left without further drama.
Security guards, initially caught unprepared, managed to remove the banner quickly.
In a statement condemning the protest, the administration said it had already reported it to police, who were investigating.
“The government respects people’s right to express their views but has to ensure it can operate effectively, safely and smoothly at the same time,” the statement read. “The flag post podium in the East Wing forecourt is not open for public protests.”