Ban Upheld On March To Mark Tiananmen Massacre

A board on public processions on Tuesday upheld the police's decision to ban a march organised by the Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China to commemorate the June 4 massacre in 1989, citing the risk to public health.

The police said that with a thousand people expected to take part, it would be pose a serious threat to public health because of the pandemic.

The Alliance's secretary, Lee Cheuk-yan, said he was disappointed at the decision, which comes despite official moves to ease social distancing.

He said schools are reopening, religious gatherings are allowed and normal business activity was resuming.

"But once it comes to a political rally, marches, it's all banned. Once it comes to political expression all activities are suppressed," Lee said.

He said they were using public health as an excuse to strip away the people's constitutional right to march.

Lee said they would still operate a booth to publicise the Tiananmen Square massacre, and added that he would still go to Victoria Park on Sunday to light a candle for the Tiananmen Square victims.

"We call upon everyone in Hong Kong at the same time, eight o'clock - no matter where you are, everyone light up a candle," Lee said.