UN Concerned about Arrests during Tiananmen Square Memorial in Hong Kong
Police officers disperse people at Victoria Park, closed during the 33rd anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrations at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square in 1989, in Hong Kong, China, June 4, 2022.
The United Nations (UN) expressed concern on Monday, June 5, 2023, over the arrests of several individuals and activists in Hong Kong related to the 34th anniversary commemoration of the Tiananmen Square massacre tragedy.
On Sunday, June 4, Hong Kong police arrested 23 people for alleged breaches of public order. A 53-year-old woman was also arrested for obstructing the police during the commemoration of violence against pro-democracy protests in Beijing in 1989.
Hundreds of Hong Kong police conducted inspection operations and deployed armored vehicles near Victoria Park, the usual venue for the commemoration.
Hong Kong activists stated that the police action is part of China’s campaign to suppress dissent in the region, which was promised continued freedom for 50 years under the “one country, two systems” model. This was when the former British colonial ruler returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, through their Twitter account, called on the Hong Kong authorities to release anyone who has been arrested. They emphasized that these individuals were exercising their freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on Sunday that Hong Kong is moving from chaos towards stability and prosperity on the right path under the “one country, two systems” formula.
A ministry spokesperson said that external parties, including the United States, should uphold international law and stop engaging in futile political manipulation to restrain Hong Kong from China.
Hong Kong media outlet RTHK reported that the 23 people arrested on Sunday were detained briefly for breaches of peace and public order but were later released.
Restrictions on public speeches and protests in the Hong Kong administrative region have hindered large-scale candlelight vigils marking the Tiananmen crackdown. However, other major cities such as London, New York, Berlin, and Taipei continued to commemorate the bloody tragedy.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Consulate wrote on their Facebook page that they stand with the people of Hong Kong and the world in commemorating the violent actions against unarmed and peaceful citizens on June 4, 1989, including the right to peaceful assembly.
