Vigil Organiser Chow Hang-tung Arrested: Sources

One of the organisers of the annual candlelight vigil to remember those killed in the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, Chow Hang-tung, was among two people arrested on Friday morning, sources told RTHK.

She was reportedly taken away near her office.

AFP quoted a police source as saying Chow had been arrested under section 17A of the Public Order Ordinance, which covers publicising unlawful assemblies.

Chow had earlier said she would go to Victoria Park on the evening of June 4 in a personal capacity to mourn the victims after police banned the rally on public health grounds, even though the city has not recorded a case of unexplained local transmission in more than a month.

The Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China said it's trying to verify the information that its vice-chairperson had been detained, adding that it will try to provide legal assistance.

However, the group's secretary, Richard Tsoi, stressed Chow's recent comments did not represent the alliance.

“We are, of course, deeply concerned about the situation of Ms Chow, though recently Ms Chow’s stance on how to continue the candlelight vigil in Victoria Park seems quite different or opposite from the Hong Kong Alliance,” he said.

“The alliance has taken note that the situation this year is extremely critical. We urge people to commemorate the event in a lawful and safe manner."

Last year's vigil was also banned on the grounds of the coronavirus. Tens of thousands defied the ban and rallied anyway in the park.

Police later arrested some two dozen democracy figures who attended that rally, some of whom have been given prison sentences, including other members of the Hong Kong Alliance. (Additional reporting by AFP)

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