Hong Kong: Thousands commemorate 1989 Tiananmen protests May 26

Event

Thousands of people staged a demonstration in Hong Kong on Sunday, May 26, to commemorate the 1989 Tiananmen protests. At least 2000 people participated in the yearly remembrance march for those killed during the student-led protests against China's ruling Communist party.

A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are likely amid further possible protests over the coming weeks.

Context

Student-led protests in 1989 in China culminated with a military crackdown on June 4 that resulted in the deaths of an estimated 300 to several thousand people.

Thousands have protested in recent weeks against a proposed law would allow Hong Kong to extradite people accused of crimes to China, Macau, and Taiwan on a case-by-case basis. Opponents claim the law would erode freedoms guaranteed when possession of Hong Kong transferred from the UK to China in 1997 and may be used to silent dissent of Chinese policies. The protests come shortly after the sentencing of four leaders of the Umbrella Movement for their part in leading pro-democracy protests.

Advice

Individuals in Hong Kong are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate possible protest and associated transportation disruptions and increased security presence, avoid all public gatherings as a precaution, and refrain from discussing political topics in public or on social media.