The pro-independence Hong Kong National Party will hold a vigil at the Tsim Sha Tsui clock tower on the eve of the 20th anniversary of the city’s transfer of sovereignty from Britain to China.
Convener Andy Chan Ho-tin says that the party will mourn the 20th anniversary of the “fall” of Hong Kong, and expects around 300 attendees.
“On July 1, there will be many activities celebrating the so-called Handover,” Chan told reporters on Monday. “If we don’t come out and express our opinions, the whole world will believe that Hongkongers welcome Chinese rule.”
“We hope to tell the world that Hong Kong is still a colony,” he said. “Hong Kong is a Chinese colony.”
Chan added that he hopes to unite the supporters of the various pro-independence and localist groups at the gathering, where participants will be able to reminisce over Hong Kong’s “glory years” – prior to 1997.
Peaceful rally
In April, Hong Kong National Party members attempted to give speeches at the same location in Tsim Sha Tsui, but were stopped by officials from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, who claimed they were violating various by-laws.
Chan said on Monday that the proposed vigil on the evening of June 30 will be peaceful, consisting of music, speeches and the broadcasting of video clips.
He added that he has been actively contacting the police to apply for a letter of no objection to stage the event. “But the response from the police management was quite negative.”
“Even if they stop this event, we will have many ways of expressing our opinions,” he said. “We will take the situation into account. Even if there is no gathering at that location, we will definitely hold some activities.”
