Tiananmen anniversary arrests in Hong Kong: A worsening crackdown on dissent

Hong Kong Arrests Individuals Ahead of Tiananmen Anniversary

Background

On June 4, 1989, in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, Chinese troops opened fire on peaceful protestors demanding political reforms, economic developments, an end to corruption, and an apology for the 1976 Tiananmen Square incident that resulted in the death of participants in a demonstration opposing the suppression of a campaign for political reform. Although the exact number of deaths remains unknown, human rights groups estimated that thousands of people perished or were injured. Since then, the Chinese government has worked to censor and control narratives around the incident, with individuals who attempt to commemorate or raise awareness about the event facing severe consequences, including imprisonment.

For more than three decades, individuals across the world – from human rights advocates to ordinary citizens – have commemorated the event in peaceful vigils. In Hong Kong, people gathered annually to join a candlelight vigil in Victoria Park to remember those killed during the crackdown, calling on the Chinese authorities to reveal the truth and take responsibility for the fatalities. However, in 2020 and 2021, the Hong Kong government, citing coronavirus concerns, banned the vigil, and citizens faced arrest and detention for attempting to commemorate the event.

The Recent Arrests

Before the 34th-anniversary commemoration of the Tiananmen Square crackdown, Hong Kong authorities detained and arrested four individuals accused of displaying protest items and protesting “seditious intention and disorderly conduct.” Police have released two of the eight individuals detained initially, but four individuals still face the possibility of imprisonment for up to two years. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, the organization previously responsible for organizing the annual vigil, was forced to disband in September 2021 following pressure and criminal prosecution of its members by Hong Kong police under the national security law passed in June 2020.

Amnesty International’s Response

Amnesty International’s Montse Ferrer criticized the Hong Kong government’s use of colonial-era sedition charges to suppress freedom of expression, leading to the detention of individuals who attempted to commemorate a crucial event. Ferrer highlighted the gravity of the event and the significance of upholding one’s right to freedom of expression. The detentions are akin to the censorship and coercive tactics employed by the Chinese central government. Those arrested for attempting to exercise their right to freedom of expression should be immediately released, and the police should refrain from detaining individuals commemorating this important anniversary.

Philosophical Implications of Oppression

Oppression, whether committed by the government or any other entity, is a violation of basic human rights and fundamentally wrong. People should be free to express their opinions and ideas, gather peacefully, and call for change without facing detention, imprisonment or any other types of punishment. The suppression of freedom of expression and repression of dissenting voices, as witnessed in this incidence in Hong Kong and similar events worldwide, rob individuals of their agency and basic human dignity. Suppressing dissenting opinions serves to silence and control people, which is always a wrong approach. It does not resolve the problem but only exacerbates it.

Editorial and Advice

The detentions and arrests in Hong Kong violate the fundamental human right of freedom of expression. It is time that governments worldwide recognized and took measures to challenge human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable. Governments must institute mechanisms to ensure freedom of expression and the right to dissent are respected. Public pressure and international concern can contribute to a positive change in societies where human rights violations are widespread.

Individuals can play a role in advocating for the promotion and protection of the freedom of opinion and expression throughout the world. People can learn from these events in Hong Kong and ensure that their governments are transparent and protect the freedom of expression rights of their citizens. Governments must take steps to create an environment where individuals may exercise and express their opinions freely and without fear of reprisal.

In summary, the arrests of individuals attempting to commemorate the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown in Hong Kong ominously symbolizes the systemic oppression and suppression of freedom of expression. The fundamental right of expression must be upheld worldwide as relevant authorities ensure that individuals are not arrested in their quest for freedom of expression.