Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Beijing wants to "strengthen collaboration" with the Hong Kong police and "safeguard together national security and social stability" of the Territory. This was stated by Zhao Kezhi, Chinese Minister for Public Security, at a summit with Tang Ping-keung, chief of police in Hong Kong, which was held yesterday in the Chinese capital. The Beijing official assures: "The central government and the Ministry of Public Security will always be a strong backup force for the Hong Kong police".
Meanwhile, the former British colony is preparing to host another major human rights march, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon at Victoria Park. The police have already advised that they are ready to intervene if the participants ignore the requests for a "peaceful and orderly" procedure.
The demonstration is organized by the Civil Front for Human Rights (Chrf), an association that includes 48 pro-democracy groups, and which has recently regained permits to take to the streets. These are the most active organizations in the popular protests that have been taking place for six months in Hong Kong. One of the most impressive events organized by the Chrf, was that of June 16, which drew about 2 million people.
In the beginning, the protests of civil society, involving all age groups, from young to old, expressed popular dissatisfaction over a controversial extradition bill now withdrawn. However over time they have turned into a broader movement calling for democracy in the Territory and an investigation into police behavior.
