The three leaders of the pro-democracy movement and publishing magnate Jimmy Lai will be prosecuted for their role in a rally held in memory of the victims of the massacre of 4 June 1989. The main charge is inciting people to take part in an unauthorised assembly.
Hong Kong (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Three leaders of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement and publishing mogul Jimmy Lai have been charged in connection with a vigil held last week.
On 4 June, tens of thousands of people defied a government ban and met to commemorate the Tiananmen massacre of 4 June 1989, when thousands of Chinese students were slaughtered for demanding freedom and democracy.
Lee Cheuk-yan, president of the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, reported the information today. The Alliance usually organises the event.
Writing on his Facebook page, Lee said that the police informed him that he and three other pro-democracy leaders, including Albert Ho and Richard Tsoi, are accused of inciting people to take part in an unauthorised assembly.
On the morning of 4 June, people protested in groups of eight, the limit for public gatherings under COVID-19 restrictions. In the afternoon thousands poured into the streets.
This year's vigil took place in an atmosphere of great tensions due in particular to Beijing's decision to impose a national security law on Hong Kong.