Hong Kong Police arrests organiser of Tiananmen vigils on crackdown’s anniversary

The Hong Kong Police has arrested activist Chow Hang Tung on the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protesters.

Hong Kong police on Friday arrested activist Chow Hang Tung, vice-chairwoman of the group which organises annual vigils for the victims of China’s 1989 Tiananmen crackdown on pro-democracy protesters, two of her colleagues said. The arrest comes as thousands of police are expected to patrol the city's streets to prevent people from gathering to commemorate the June 4 crackdown, in what activists say is a sign of a swift authoritarian turn in Hong Kong. The heightened vigilance from authorities was a marked departure from Hong Kong's cherished freedoms of speech and assembly, bringing the global financial hub closer in line with mainland China's strict controls on society, they say.