Topic
June 4 marks the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 and has become a day of peaceful demonstrations in Hong Kong. In early 1989, students in Beijing led demonstrations against China's central government calling for greater freedoms. In the early hours of June 4, the military moved in to remove the demonstrators. An unconfirmed number of unarmed civilians were killed in the crackdown.
The day has deep meaning for many in Hong Kong. It should be possible for people to mark it peacefully, safe in the knowledge that they are acting within the law.
The anniversary’s importance cannot be underestimated, but with uncertainty about where red lines are drawn, most people err on the side of caution.
Lawful demonstrations are a feature of life that should return as Hong Kong opens up and seeks to rebuild its international image.
Events commemorating Tiananmen crackdown were the best known symbol of the city’s freedoms and they should be allowed to continue as long as they remain lawful.
The fate of pro-democracy groups under the national security law has raised fears for legitimate rights and freedoms that must continue to be protected and exercised under the Basic Law.
With the candlelight vigil marking the Tiananmen crackdown banned for the second year running and the national security law having a wider effect, the Hong Kong government should clarify the legal position of the event, so the public is clear on what is permitted and what is not.
Hong Kong people consecrate it as a collective, communal memory of a struggle for liberty soaked in blood. But in the end, the nation’s economic reforms offer far greater personal freedoms, and freedom from want, to far greater numbers of Chinese than anything that could have been achieved by the students and workers in 1989
The event may have been banned this year as a result of social-distancing rules, but as long as it and other gatherings do not pose a threat to public safety and order there is no reason they should not go ahead.
- Magistrate says defendant was a ‘participant in an international campaign’ and banner was capable of stirring up anger
- Zeng Yuxuan, 23, had sentence reduced from nine months to six to reflect her early guilty plea
Security minister Chris Tang’s letter revealed by Danish artist Jens Galschiot, who created Pillar of Shame marking Tiananmen Square crackdown
More than 6,000 officers to be out on the streets on Saturday in wake of spate of stabbings and to deter potential trouble at handover commemoration events
Readers discuss the work ethic of the younger generations, the sensitivity in Hong Kong over the June 4 anniversary, and the opposition to building flats on the Fanling golf course.
Justice department’s appeal against Chow Hang-tung’s acquittal approved as case involves points of ‘great and general importance’, three judges say.
Head of Hong Kong Public Opinion Research Institute says decision was taken after ‘risk assessment’ by administration.
Authorities hit back after UN reaction to June 4 crackdown anniversary detentions and international consulates’ commemorations of event.
Among those taken away were Chan Po-ying, leader of League of Social Democrats, and Leo Tang Kin-wah, ex-vice-chairman of disbanded Confederation of Trade Unions.
Police say another four people detained on suspicion of ‘disrupting social harmony’.
About 5,000 officers will patrol streets, conduct roadblocks and stop-and-search checks at ‘high-risk locations’ over weekend.
Private screening of ‘To be Continued’, a documentary about an entertainment mogul, cancelled.
Chris Tang says authorities will take ‘resolute action’ against anyone taking advantage of approaching ‘special occasion’ to threaten national security.
Keyword check of library archives by Post in Chinese and English finds no works related to the military crackdown in Beijing 34 years ago.
Chow Hang-tung, figure behind annual candlelight vigil of June 4 crackdown in Beijing, named winner of this year’s Gwangju Prize for Human Rights.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang says decision to take sculpture marking crackdown at Tiananmen Square in 1989 was not based on any ‘special consideration’.
Government says Victoria Park’s six soccer pitches and central lawn closed for maintenance and completion expected only by end of June.
Tsui Hon-kwong and Tang Ngok-kwan released on bail pending appeal; former vice-chairwoman Chow Hang-tung remains in custody after refusing conditions.
Magistrate convicts trio from Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
Judge rules in favour of Chow Hang-tung on grounds police had failed to consider suggestions on how event could be held safely.
Judge rules that Lee Cheuk-yan is a high risk for absconding and orders he should stay on remand until trial.
Chow Hang-tung from the disbanded Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China facing joint count with two other former leaders.
Tiananmen Square crackdown vigil organiser tells court group supported ‘democratic China’ through non-violent means.
Investigation report connected the alliance to foreign organisations that promoted Hong Kong independence and called for sanctions on China.
Carrie Lam says politically sensitive date on anniversary of Tiananmen Square crackdown could spur activists to incite violence.
