These mass arrests, similar to the August 10th arrest of Jimmy Lai and Agnes Chow, are often used as a scare tactic to deter further protests. By evening, police closed in on the area containing most remaining activists and forced everyone to pass through a police line in order to leave.
Among those arrested were Figo Chan, Raphael Wong, and Leung Kwok-hung of the League of Social Democrats, who allegedly unfurled a banner criticizing the government and the postponement of the election. They were also accused of “leading more than 30 people to gather.”
Hong Kong activist Tam Tak-chi was also reportedly arrested on Sunday by Beijing’s National Security Unit on suspicion of uttering seditious words.
A protester told the Washington Post, “it’s very important that the world continues to pay attention to what’s happening in Hong Kong, that we don’t even have the right to vote or protest anymore.”
Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong said that “there will be a zero tolerance for violations of Hong Kong’s National Security Law,” claiming that a small group of “anti-China rioters” had started an “illegal demonstration.” The office praised Hong Kong’s police for enforcing the law and “maintaining stability,” alleging that they “will never allow Hong Kong to become chaotic again.”
This story is still developing. Raise the Voices will be releasing additional articles and profiles on arrested activists.
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