22nd anniversary of Tiananmen Square protests of 1989
The 22nd anniversary of Tiananmen Square protests of 1989 (22周年六四遊行) saw more than 150,000 people gathering in Victoria Park in Hong Kong on 4 June 2011 evening to mark the 22nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989.
Restrictions are imposed annually on dissidents ahead of the anniversary to limit protests and demonstrations as it is a taboo subject in mainland China.
Background
As the People's Republic of China has publicly embraced the one country, two systems model of governance for Hong Kong, the annual 4 June observance which has become a tradition since 1989 has continued after the transfer of sovereignty from Britain to China. It is the only place on Chinese soil where the event is openly commemorated in any way and on any scale.
Events
On 30 May 2011, more than 1,000 marchers, organised by the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements in China, started a march from Victoria park carrying a replica of the Goddess of Democracy. The Victoria park candlelight vigil portion on 4 June saw a gathering of 150,000 people. The police put the crowd at 70,000. Legislator Lee Cheuk-yan have expressed dissatisfaction with the police who had cut off lines, closed off subway exits and blocked some entrances to Victoria park even before the event started. This redirection was purposely done before the parks were even full.
There were a total of 53 arrests on charges of assaulting or obstructing police officers. The police have also complained about the citizens causing traffic jams and not obeying protest rules. In one case they found a police baton on a protester who is now suspected of theft.
In Taipei hundreds of people urged the public to support the democracy movement in China and attended a vigil to mark the 22nd anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre.
Responses
Domestic
International
The Wikileaks Tiananmen cables revealed from the view of a Chilean diplomat that there was actually no mass firing inside Tianamen Square in 1989.
See also
References
Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/22nd_anniversary_of_Tiananmen_Square_protests_of_1989
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