The line of people was six kilometres long
About 20,000 people have taken to the streets of Hong Kong in one of the
biggest demonstrations in recent years to protest against planned
anti-subversion legislation.
The protest snaking through the streets of Hong Kong to the territory’s
government headquarters was far larger than most people had expected.
“I don’t want Hong Kong to become like China ”
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Protester
BBC correspondent Damian Grammaticas says the new laws are the most
controversial issue to confront Hong Kong since the territory was returned
to China five years ago.
When Hong Kong was returned from British to Chinese sovereignty in July
1997, the government was required to outlaw subversion, sedition, treason
and other crimes against the Chinese state.
Protesters say freedom of speech will be muzzled
Our correspondent says the proposals put forward by the Hong Kong
government, with backing from Beijing, are far-reaching and are starting to
arouse deep-seated opposition.
People found guilty under the new law can be imprisoned for life.
But critics say the law is so loosely written it would let the authorities
trample on people’s freedoms or ban groups the government does not like.
Guaranteed freedom
“I don’t want Hong Kong to become like China,” said a 48-year-old civil
servant who joined Sunday’s demonstration.
Another protester, a 25-year-old bank clerk added: “The rights we have are
not guaranteed in the future.”
But the Hong Kong Security Bureau said the rally bore testimony to the
freedom of expression and the right to demonstrate enjoyed by the
territory’s residents.
“These rights and freedoms are guaranteed,” the bureau said in a statement.
Demonstrations in favour of the new law took place on Wednesday
Police put the number of protesters at 12,000, while organisers said 50,000
had turned out. Reports say the demonstration stretched for six kilometres
(3.5 miles)
Pro-democracy politicians and human rights activists have been joined by
businessmen who fear the legislation could damage Hong Kong’s role as a
business centre because it might limit the exchange of financial
information.
Wealthy newspaper publisher Jimmy Lai, who joined the marchers on Sunday,
said the law was like “an invisible, tightening collar”.
Members of the Falun Gong spiritual movement – which is banned in mainland
China – participated in the march.
Christian groups began Sunday’s march with a prayer session at the departure
point at Hong Kong’s sprawling Victoria Park.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/2577483.stm
Posting date: 16/Dec/2002
Original article date: 15/Dec/2002
Category: Media Reports
