A week on, Hong Kong police stop and search people attempting to mourn for man who stabbed officer

At least a dozen of Hong Kong police officers stopped and searched people on Thursday in Causeway Bay for attempting to mourn the man who killed himself after stabbing a police officer seven days after his death.

Stand News reported that officers stopped and warned a woman holding white flowers that any effort to pay tribute to the man could potentially be seen as inciting behaviour, and that she would be handed a ticket for littering if she put down the flowers.

Chive Woman — A woman holding a bag of chives outside SOGO, Causeway Bay. Photo: Stand News.

Police have warned that mourning the man is akin to terrorism.

On Wednesday, a woman holding some chives was stopped and searched outside of SOGO department store in Causeway Bay, Stand News reported. She took out a flower and bowed during the search. The police officer warned her to stop.

The woman was later let go after a warning.

In Chinese culture, the seventh day after a person’s death is significant as it is believed that the ghost of the deceased will return home on that day.

If you are experiencing negative feelings, please call: The Samaritans 2896 0000 (24-hour, multilingual), Suicide Prevention Centre 2382 0000 or the Social Welfare Department 2343 2255. The Hong Kong Society of Counselling and Psychology provides a WhatsApp hotline in English and Chinese: 6218 1084. See also: HKFP’s comprehensive guide to mental health services in Hong Kong.

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