HONG KONG (AP) - Tang Ngok-kwan, a long-time activist in Hong Kong, continues to pay homage to the victims of the Beijing's 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown, despite the growing political repression in the region. The 58-year-old actively visits the sites once known for their public remembrance of the event, particularly Victoria Park, where massive candlelight vigils were held annually to honor the lives lost during the crackdown. However, with the suppression of political dissent in Hong Kong and the imprisonment of his fellow activists, Tang's acts of remembrance have become a personal and discreet endeavor.
On the eve of the anniversary, Tang bowed at Victoria Park and quietly read the names of the victims, reflecting on the long history of the Tiananmen protests. He occasionally revisits university campuses where memorial sculptures used to stand, even as the memories of these sites fade away. Recent events have highlighted the increasing restrictions on freedoms in the former British colony, which was handed back to China in 1997, underscoring the stark contrasts between the former independence and the current political climate.
In a recent court ruling, two of Tang’s former colleagues were convicted under a national security law imposed by Beijing, which carries sentences of up to 10 years. The ruling claimed that the activists had incited others to overthrow the Chinese Communist Party through unlawful means. Observers have noted that these convictions reflect the ongoing erosion of liberties in Hong Kong. Tang expressed his disapproval of the ruling, feeling wronged on behalf of those sentenced, stating that the verdict instilled a sense of wariness around discussions of the now-defunct alliance that organized the vigils.
Tang’s activism dates back to 1989 when he joined thousands in support of the pro-democracy protests in Beijing. After witnessing the brutal crackdown where hundreds, if not thousands, were killed, he dedicated himself to preserving the memory of the victims. He became actively involved with the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China, which organized large candlelight vigils for three decades. Despite feeling a moral burden that Hong Kong's support may have exacerbated the situation for protesters in Beijing, Tang remained committed to the cause.
In 2020, authorities banned the annual vigils, citing COVID-19 public health risks, and followed this with the enforcement of the national security law in response to the 2019 protests. The fate of the Alliance was further jeopardized in 2021 when officials begun scrutinizing its operations under allegations of being a foreign agent. The group’s refusal to comply with demands for operational transparency led to arrests of key members, including Tang, who was ultimately sentenced to 4.5 months in prison in 2023 for not providing requested information. Ironically, this prison term coincided with the 35th anniversary of the crackdown, which he commemorated by running 35 laps barefoot as an act of remembrance.
The legal struggles concerning the vigil organizers seem endless. A trial is underway for Lee Cheuk-yan and Chow Hang-tung, with Tang frequently attending court to show solidarity. Lee has pleaded guilty, a move that typically leads to lesser sentencing. Public commemorations of the Tiananmen Square incident have become increasingly sensitive, with police detaining individuals seeking to memorialize the victims. Despite previous pandemic restrictions being lifted, an annual carnival has since replaced organized memorial events at Victoria Park.
During a recent court appearance, Tang was barred from entry due to his intention to bring “sensitive” materials, such as bookmarks stating “vindicate June 4.” This persistence in remembrance illustrates Tang's dedication, as he makes a symbolic trek between the subway station and the court, mindful of the 64 steps that remind him of the June 4 anniversary. He describes it as a psychological balancing act in the face of their struggles, emphasizing the importance of keeping the memory of Tiananmen alive in a climate of fear and repression in Hong Kong.
