Police on Sunday warned crowds gathered in Tseung Kwan O to pay tribute to the late student Chow Tsz-lok that they may be breaching the new National Security Law, as well as coronavirus restrictions.
Candles, pictures and floral tributes were placed outside the Sheung Tak car park exactly a year after Chow’s death from injuries sustained in a fall there during a police clearance operation.
Large numbers of police officers were present and at one point they displayed the purple warning sign indicating that some mourners could be breaching the National Security Law as people chanted protest slogans.
Isaac Lee, a district councillor in the area who is observing the police operation, said: “We all have the freedom of speech to speak our political thoughts, but the police show that they don’t allow this.
“Also, the slogan does not necessarily mean Hong Kong independence. The police are just using some excuse to show their force, to threaten the people and to stop people from expressing their thoughts, even though the activity here is conducted in a peaceful manner.”
The police also reminded people of coronavirus restrictions that prevent gatherings of more than four.
People approached the wall where the tributes were being laid individually or in smaller groups. Besides the police officers, a large number of media were in attendance.
The exact cause of Chow’s death remains unknown. An inquest is due to take place later this month.
As well as Chow, the wall featured tributes to Chan Yin-lam, who died last year at the age of 15 after entering the sea in nearby Tiu Keng Leng. A jury recorded an open verdict on her death.
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