Labour Day Flashmobs Set To Test Distancing Rules

Hong Kong democracy protesters are planning to hold multiple flashmob rallies on Friday, defying restrictions on gatherings during the coronavirus pandemic as anger towards Beijing rekindles.

The coronavirus pandemic have brought four months of comparative calm to the SAR after last year's protests. But small protests have bubbled up in the last week and activists are hoping to use Labour Day to muster numbers once more.

On the eve of Labour Day, a heavy police presence around the Prince Edward MTR station staved off attempts to gather to mark eight months since a controversial police raid, citing social distancing rules.

Police in riot gear near the station told anyone approaching to leave or risk falling foul of social distancing rules that mandate people must not gather in groups of more than four. Officers were also seen issuing on-the-spot fines to people gathered for a protest in a Tin Shui Wai park.

Pro-democracy unions and social media posts have called for people to shout slogans in their neighbourhoods on Friday afternoon. Applications by unions to hold traditional marches were rejected by the police, with the ban upheld by an appeal board.

The Confederation of Trade Unions, which has its plan for a march rejected, says it will set up street booths across the SAR.

But protesters are getting creative.

During brief rallies in malls earlier this week, activists encouraged each other to keep 1.5 metres apart and stick to small groups of four.

Riot police quickly intercepted the flashmobs, forcing them to disband as either unlawful assemblies or gatherings that breached the anti-virus measures.

"I think the government is using the anti-epidemic measures to suppress the people and the mass movement," John Li, a 33-year-old finance worker, said during a lunch break protest in a mall on Wednesday.

"I prefer to join rallies and marches that have received approval from the police, but if such chances are reduced to zero, I will play it by ear," he added. (AFP/RTHK)