Paul Wang

Hong Kong’s biggest businesses are lining up behind Beijing, which protects business interests whilst stifling civil liberties. Many business groups got rich under both British and Chinese rule.

Police responded to the "illegal rally" with pepper balls, sticks and shields. Protesters used their mobile phone flashlights, chanting slogans like "liberate Hong Kong". People are concerned about the mainland’s national security law. A mass rally is planned for 1 July, the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

Thousands of people poured into Victoria Park, contravening the police ordinance that had prohibited rallies with over eight people for "health" reasons. Many young people who in recent years considered the vigil a useless ritual also attended. In addition to Victoria Park, there were gatherings in Tsim Sha Tsui, Sai Ying Pun, Sai Kung and Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Kwun Tong, Tsing Yi, Tai Wai and Sha Tin. The police were on the sidelines without intervening. Clashes in Mong Kok. The auxiliary bishop Msgr. Joseph Ha celebrated mass for the dead in Tiananmen in the Holy Cross church.

In seven churches there will be liturgical celebrations for the Tiananmen massacres, organized by the Justice and Peace Commission. The auxiliary bishop Msgr. Joseph Ha will preside over Mass at Holy Cross church. Everyone is invited to light a candle at 8 o'clock tonight. The police force wants to clear Victoria Park where democratic activists will gather in groups of eight in accordance with the restrictions imposed by the anti-pandemic rules. Last night, a candlelight Tiananmen memorial vigil in front of Lai Chi Kok prison, where many of those arrested in recent months have been detained.

The organizers invite the population to light candles everywhere and participate in online gatherings. Groups of eight - the only number allowed by the pandemic rules - will gather in Victoria Park, like every year. The "health" reasons exploited to implement a censorship on the event, unique in the Chinese world. Mass for the fallen of Tiananmen and a prayer meeting, which was usually held before the big vigil, were also online.

This year, for "health" reasons, a vigil commemorating the dead in Tiananmen has been banned. Hong Kong is the only place in the Chinese world where that event has been remembered for 30 years. Maria Tam, a former member of the British government and now one of the most faithful voices in Beijing, reassures us: if there are no secessionist claims, the vigil can be held. For the Tam, there is no single party in China, or a dictatorship.

For the chief of police, Chris Tang, law enforcement officials "will drive out darkness from Hong Kong." Among the 360 ​​arrested, there are also dozens of junior high boys and girls. Social criticism. Tensions in the Legco; a Democratic MP removed from the chamber. The "grey haired" want to organize a demonstration against the security law wanted by Beijing. For Mike Pompeo, Hong Kong is no longer "autonomous."

Many officers are wearing riot gear. Meshed and barbed wire barriers have been set up; checks and searches; passages closed. 16 people arrested, many young people aged 14-15, for possession of "weapons": screwdrivers, Molotov cocktails, scissors, blades, cables. Social boycott in progress: subway trains stopped; nails scattered on the roads; traffic slowdown in underwater tunnels. Flash-mob in a shopping mall. Only 5 people in the audience can enter parliament today to follow the discussion.

He was 98 years old. Nearly 20 casinos in the city were his, including Grande Lisboa. For China he is "a patriotic entrepreneur". He was also a benefactor of the Church, with a Vatican honor. He was among the drafters of Macau's Basic Law and adviser for Hong Kong. He had four wives and 17 children.

Most of those arrested are accused of illegal gathering. Yesterday was the first mass demonstration during the lockdown, which bans rallies with more than eight people. Wang Yi tries to calm public opinion. But the democratic movement is planning another demonstration in two days.

Due to the pandemic emergency, any rally with more than 8 people is considered illegal. One protester: "It is better to be arrested than to keep silent." Policemen armed with rifles, pepper spray, armored trucks and water chydrants.

A police ban is in place for groups of more than four people with two-metre social distancing required. The pro-democracy Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions set up more than 60 street booths with four people handing out brochures. Hundreds of riot police disperse young people from a Sha Tin mall. Pro-democracy stores and restaurants benefit from the ‘golden week’ shopping spree.