At least two performance artists were seen in Causeway Bay on Friday evening – the eve of the 33rd anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.
Police have warned that Hongkongers risk up to five years in prison if they take part in unauthorised assemblies, with commemorations expected to be muted amid the national security law and Covid-19 restrictions.
One male artist silently lay on the ground with what appeared to be some plants in his mouth after unfurling a white scroll and presenting a candle in a block of ice.
Another artist, a woman, sat on the pavement appearing to offer mathematical puzzles. Both were approached by the police who noted down their personal details.
According to a PSHK livestream, police played a recording to warn people at the scene not to breach the four-person Covid-19 gathering restriction. More than 10 uniformed police officers also patrolled the area – one of them held a video camera to film the crowd.
Speaking to reporters at the scene, the male artist said he has performed on the street on June 3 for 13 years to mark the anniversary.
The Tiananmen crackdown occurred on June 4, 1989 ending months of student-led demonstrations in China. It is estimated that hundreds, perhaps thousands, died when the People’s Liberation Army cracked down on protesters in Beijing.
The man said there were more than 10 artists performing in previous years, though only two to three showed up this year. Asked if he was worried about his safety, the artist said he was scared and did not want the press to film him or disclose his name.
Victoria Park is closed ahead of Saturday’s Tiananmen crackdown anniversary. The park in Causeway Bay has traditionally been the site of commemorative candlelit vigils to remember the 1989 dead.
Campus security
Meanwhile, campus security staff took pictures of candles and photos placed at a site where a Tiananmen Goddess of Democracy monument originally stood before the Chinese University of Hong Kong removed it last December, according to the Chinese University Student Press.
Anonymous organisers have created small 3D-printed replicas of the statue. Students were asked to conduct a scavenger hunt for the figurines as an act of remembrance.
See also: How Hongkongers were silenced after three decades of commemorating Tiananmen
59-year-old arrested
Also on Friday, police said they had seen statements spreading hate speech against the government and the police, as well as promoting violence.
They arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of inciting others to cause grievous bodily harm by allegedly urging people to kill police officers on June 4.
Victoria Park is closed ahead of Saturday’s Tiananmen crackdown anniversary. The park in Causeway Bay has traditionally been the site of commemorative candlelit vigils to remember the 1989 dead.
Correction 07/06: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated a 49-year-old man was arrested under the colonial-era sedition law. Police arrested a 59-year-old man on suspicion of inciting others to cause grievous bodily harm. We regret the error.
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