Hong Kong June 4 Memorials 2021: Activism and State Response
The anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre in 2021 was marked by a significant shift in how the people of Hong Kong commemorated the event. With traditional large-scale vigils prohibited, the city witnessed a transition toward decentralized, creative, and individual acts of remembrance amidst a heightened security presence and a series of legal crackdowns on pro-democracy figures.
Key Facts
- Legal Consequences: Joshua Wong received a 10-month prison sentence for participating in the vigil, while three others received sentences ranging from four to six months.
- Security Measures: Police implemented roadblocks on island-bound harbour crossings and conducted widespread stop-and-search operations near Victoria Park.
- Diplomatic Gestures: The US Consulate placed 400 electronic candles in its windows, and the EU mission followed suit, prompting a strong condemnation from China.
- Media Restrictions: RTHK management banned political stories on air and deleted online archives, citing a lack of impartiality.
- Institutional Closures: The June 4th Museum was forced to close following a raid by the Food and Health Department over licensing issues.
Decentralized Commemoration and Public Response
Because the traditional memorial was not permitted, activists encouraged the public to find personal ways to mourn. Lee Cheuk-yan, Chairman of the Alliance, urged citizens from his jail cell to light candles by windows or on roads to ensure the memory of the victims remained visible. Similarly, Chow Hang-tung, vice-chairman of the Alliance, expressed her intention to visit Victoria Park in a personal capacity.
Creative efforts included artist Kacey Wong redistributing hundreds of spent candles from previous years to the public to help perpetuate the memory of those who perished.
International diplomatic missions also participated. The United States Consulate in Hong Kong displayed 400 electronic candles on its window sills. The European Union mission did the same, which led the Chinese government to label such actions as "infiltration or sabotage activities" that crossed a "red line."
Despite the risks, members of the public gathered at churches, many of which reached full capacity. Others gathered near Victoria Park and in various districts, using candles or mobile phone lights to signal their remembrance while police worked to disperse the crowds.
Legal Actions and Arrests
The period surrounding the anniversary saw a wave of arrests targeting prominent democracy activists. In addition to the sentencing of Joshua Wong, twenty more activists were scheduled for arraignment on June 11 on similar charges. On June 4, barrister Chow Hang-tung was arrested after urging private commemorations on social media; she was later released on HK$10,000 bail.
Other incidents included the arrest of 65-year-old activist Alexandra Wong, known as "Grandma Wong," who was detained on May 30 for allegedly inciting an unauthorized assembly while marching alone. Although released without charge the following day, police maintained the right to pursue further action.
Targeting Organizations and Infrastructure
The Alliance, the primary organizer of the traditional vigil, faced multiple pressures. A street stand in Kwai Chung distributing pamphlets and electronic candles was targeted by police, resulting in fines for violating social gathering restrictions. Additionally, the June 4th Museum was shut down by the Food and Health Department on June 1, following allegations that it operated without a license under the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance.
Media Censorship at RTHK
The state's influence extended to the public broadcaster, RTHK. Management informed journalists that political stories were prohibited from airing. Under a new government-appointed director, at least 10 programs were cut or cancelled, and online archives were deleted. RTHK management claimed certain episodes of Hong Kong Connection, Hong Kong Stories, and LegCo Review were not impartial or accurate.
A government spokesperson defended these moves by stating that while RTHK is editorially independent, there can be no "editorial autonomy without responsibility."
Summary of 2021 Memorial Events
| Entity/Person | Action/Event | Outcome/Response |
|---|---|---|
| Joshua Wong | Participating in vigil | 10-month prison sentence |
| US Consulate & EU Mission | Displayed electronic candles | Condemnation from China |
| RTHK | Political programming | Banned stories and deleted archives |
| June 4th Museum | Operating without license | Forced closure by Food and Health Dept |
| Chow Hang-tung | Social media posts | Arrested; released on HK$10,000 bail |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the traditional June 4 memorials not held in 2021?
The traditional memorials were not allowed by the authorities, leading activists to encourage individual and creative forms of commemoration instead.
What happened to the June 4th Museum?
The museum was raided and forced to close by the Food and Health Department on June 1, 2021, due to allegations that it violated the Places of Public Entertainment Ordinance by operating without a license.
How did the international community respond?
The US Consulate and the European Union mission in Hong Kong placed candles in their windows to honor the victims, which the Chinese government described as intolerable infiltration.
What restrictions were placed on RTHK?
RTHK management banned political stories from the air, cancelled or cut at least 10 programs, and deleted portions of their online archives to ensure content was "impartial" and "accurate."
Who was "Grandma Wong" and why was she arrested?
Alexandra Wong, a 65-year-old pro-democracy activist, was arrested on May 30 for allegedly participating in and inciting an unauthorized assembly while marching alone.