Conflicts & War

Hong Kong Tiananmen vigil organizer released on bail

Beijing, Jun 6 (EFE).- Hong Kong activist Chow Hang-tung was released on bail after being arrested Friday in the financial hub accused of promoting a banned annual vigil held every year in the city in memory of the victims of the Tiananmen massacre, according to local press reports.

Public television RTHK said Chow — vice president of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of the Patriotic and Democratic Movements of China, the organization that organized the vigil — was released Friday after posting a bail of HKD 10,000 Hong Kong ($ 1,300).

No charges have been brought against her, although she will have to re-report to police on Jul. 5, according to RTHK.

“It was an unfair and preventive arrest,” Chow told the network, adding that the purpose of her arrest was “to scare others out of the event.”

The lawyer was arrested Friday morning near her office after saying she would “light a candle where everyone can see it” to commemorate the massacre’s 32nd anniversary. The vigil in Hong Kong was banned a second consecutive year citing the prevention of coronavirus infections.

The organization asked supporters not to gather in central Victoria Park, where it takes place every year.

On Friday, Hong Kong police cordoned off the park and its surroundings and deployed some 7,000 riot control officers as a precaution.

The park was left empty, but many Hong Kongers lit memorial candles elsewhere in the city.

At least six people were arrested overnight for crimes such as inciting others to participate in an unauthorized demonstration, disturbing public order and obstructing the police.

Last year, despite the ban, thousands of people gathered in that park to commemorate the massacre. EFE

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