Police in Hong Kong stopped about 20 pro-democracy protesters from getting near a flag-raising ceremony on Sunday marking the anniversary of the city’s handover from Britain to China.
The protesters carried a coffin symbolising a death of democracy and chanted slogans against one-party rule in China, demands for universal suffrage in Hong Kong and mainland China and freedom for Liu Xia, the widow of Nobel Peace Prize winner Liu Xiaobo.
The ceremony, held beside Victoria Harbour, continued uninterrupted with Beijing-backed Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam in attendance.
Hong Kong became part of China in 1997 after more than a century of British rule.
China guaranteed a 50-year transition period under which Hong Kong would retain considerable autonomy and keep the rule of law and its own legal and financial system.
However, the ruling Communist Party has made it clear those liberties are limited by its bottom line on sovereignty over the territory.
During last year’s 20th handover anniversary, Chinese President Xi Jinping warned in a speech that any activities in Hong Kong seen as threatening China’s sovereignty and stability would be “absolutely impermissible”.
A larger protest march, an annual event that attracts tens of thousands of people, is scheduled for later Sunday.
