'Tonight's Vigil The Last Safe One For Dissidents'

The organisers of the annual Victoria Park vigil to commemorate the 1989 Beijing massacre say Tuesday night's event might be the last time exiled mainland dissidents can safely attend, in light of the new extradition laws expected to be passed soon by Legco.

Albert Ho, who chairs the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, says future June 4 vigils might serve as a trap for any people wanted by the mainland authorities.

"In the past, those dissidents were able to come to Hong Kong and to take part in the commemorative activities. They were not afraid of being extradited to China because there was no such arrangement," Ho said.

"But in due course ... if they are allowed to come to Hong Kong, they may face the risk of being arrested and subjected to extradition."

On Sunday, the alliance said Feng Congde, a student leader of the 1989 pro-democracy movement, was denied entry into Hong Kong. Feng, who lives in exile, had travelled to the SAR from Germany via Japan to attend Tuesday night's vigil.

Ho also said he did not think the extradition law plans would boost the turnout at the vigil, because people opposed to the new legislation would be taking part in a rally on Sunday instead.