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China’s National Day is traditionally associated with flag-waving in mainland China and protests in Hong Kong.
Last year, when the People’s Republic celebrated its 70th anniversary, tear gas was rife in Hong Kong as protesters and riot police clashed when a giant portrait of Chinese leader Xi Jinping was transported across Tiananmen Square in Beijing.
Protesters in Hong Kong feared their freedoms were waning and shouted slogans such as “free Hong Kong now”.
One year later they have made several of his worst fears come true. China, without consulting the Hong Kong parliament, introduced a national security law that could grant life in prison for, among other things, independence efforts. Freedom of expression has been restricted and the media are under great pressure.
By this year’s National Day, all requests for rallies had been rejected, citing covid-19. In the streets, there were police officers in riot gear who suppressed any attempt to protest. The bags were searched and the cars were stopped. Anyone who aroused suspicion was immediately surrounded and taken away. There was the man dressed in black holding a yellow balloon and immediately standing alone in a sea of policemen. The teenager who played a protest song on the trumpet and was immediately taken into custody by the police. A dozen were arrested.
Photo: May James / AFP
Photo: May James / AFP
But something bigger The protesting crowds weren’t, although criticism persists that China is about to deprive its people of their freedoms.
“It is China’s national day, but it is Hong Kong’s day of death,” a black-clad woman named Jay told Reuters.
He noted that Hong Kong residents are under pressure.
– But we must try to continue fighting for freedom.
During a flag ceremony On Wednesday, Beijing-backed Hong Kong leaders said stability had been restored in the region.
“In the last three months, it is clear that society has returned to stability and that national security is protected, our people can continue to enjoy their fundamental rights and freedoms in accordance with the law,” Lam said.
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