Noon Protest Returns, With Social Distancing Rules

The once-familiar "lunchtime protest" resurfaced in Hong Kong’s central business district on Friday, with around 100 people gathering for a demonstration inside the IFC mall.

This was the first noon protest in the area since the government announced social distancing measures to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

As restrictions include a ban on more than four people gathering in a public space, the protesters separated themselves into several groups to avoid violating the rule.

Before the protest started, several participants were also seen using a measuring tape to make sure they were all 1.5 metres apart, as per the social distancing regulations.

As the demonstration started, participants raised slogans like “Five demands, not one less”, and belted out the protest anthem "Glory to Hong Kong".

One of the protesters surnamed Yu, who came with her young son, said coronavirus fears didn't stop her from joining the action.

She said she is more scared of losing freedoms than catching the virus. Yu also said that she brought along her son to show that people must fight for their rights.

“It is their future. I have to teach him that what we want, we have to fight for,” she said.

Protesters held up posters with different demands, ranging from a call for universal suffrage, to opposition to Article 23 national security legislation and warnings about losing freedom of speech in Hong Kong.

A protester who gave his name as Frank said the mass arrest of 15 pro-democracy activists last week by the police was shocking.

“They have done nothing wrong. This is pure political persecution,” he said.

But the protester said he was optimistic even though “things don’t look good right now”.

“I believe in the people of Hong Kong. I believe in the spirit of Hong Kong,” he said.

Some police officers were present outside the mall during the protest, but they did not enter the building.