Thread by @ezracheungtoto

#LIVE: Defying explicit police ban due to the #coronavirus outbreak, scores of people flow into Victoria Park, known as the only stronghold on Chinese soil to mourn the 1989 Tiananmen Sq. crackdown. Though, it is still unclear how the police will react. #HongKongProtests

The Hong Kong govt says a PA system: “Pursuant to the prevention and control of dieease, prohibitions of group gathering regulations chapter 599G, group gathering of more than 8 people is not allowed in this venue. Offenders are subject to prosecution.” #HongKongProtests

All five football pitches have been filled with participants mourning the 1989 Tiananmen Sq. crackdown, which perpetually influenced the Hong Kong democracy movement. But this time, the memorial is tinted with a localist twist as people chant #antiELAB slogans. #HongKongProtests

While the memorial was traditionally regarded as an activity that is emotionally bonded with China, this yearly commemoration is added this year with slogans and props supporting the independence of Hong Kong from China.

“One Hong Kong, one nation,” some participants chant. It is not an ubiquitous scene seen in such a memorial because of the heavy Chinese tie in its nature. Some others also chant: “Build a country, Hongkonger!” #HongKongProtests

But candlelight is still the pièce de résistance of the entire night, which has lasted over three decades. Though, the esprit de corps they have developed over time has transformed into a more localist idea. #antiELAB #HongKongProtests

Just for fun: “CNN is doing a standup. Be quiet,” a participant chants. He even encourages others to applaud the standup afterwards. However, she is Sarah Clarke from ABC.

It is a rare scene to see localists in such conventional June 4 commemoration. Many raise a flag reading “Hong Kong Independence”. Such an argument sparked cross-generational debates recently. But it has ceased after Beijing introduced a draft law further controlling the city.