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Hong Kong police probe organisers of Tiananmen vigil
Authorities continue to crackdown on political dissent in Hong Kong, as Beijing seeks to crush the city’s democracy movement.
A prominent pro-democracy group in Hong Kong is being investigated by national security police for alleged collusion with foreign forces.
Authorities are reportedly demanding information about the group’s membership, finances and activities.
The letters, according to Reuters, were sent to standing committee members of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China.
The letters accuse the alliance of being “an agent of foreign forces”
If the group doesn’t comply with the request – and fails to provide the information by the September 7 deadline – it could result in a HK$100,000 fine and six months jail.
Alliance vice-chairwoman Chow Hang Tung has told Reuters “it’s ridiculous that the police accused the alliance of being an agent of foreign forces”.
“It has nothing to do with any foreign agents nor has it received any instructions from foreign countries.”
Chow Hang Tung
The group recently laid off staff members, to try to ensure their safety.
Local media has also reported that the group, which has existed for more than 30 years, is headed for closure, due to this intensifying crackdown by authorities.
The investigation raises doubts about the future of the annual June 4 rally in Hong Kong, which was banned this year, with authorities citing coronavirus restrictions.
Beijing’s crackdown on Hong Kong
It’s been just over a year since a sweeping national security law was adopted, giving Beijing and local police broad powers.
According to critics, the law is being used to silence dissenting voices, and induce fear in the media and within the pro-democracy movement.
Dozens of pro-democracy figures have been arrested under the law, while independent media is also being suppressed.
Pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily shut down in June, which the UK’s foreign secretary described as a “chilling blow to freedom of expression in Hong Kong”.
Hong Kong’s largest teachers’ union, which was accused by Chinese state media breaching of breaching the national security law, recently announce it is disbanding.
The Professional Teachers’ Union cited “drastic changes in the social and political environment.”