Marchers remember Tiananmen Square killings

Thousands marched through Hong Kong today to commemorate the slaughter of student activists by Chinese troops who broke up pro-democracy rallies in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square on June 4, 1989.

“Chinese people will never forget this incident,” said Thomas Ma, an unemployed 44-year-old. “Using guns to suppress defenceless people – you say whether it’s right or not.”

Many in Hong Kong were shocked when Beijing used soldiers and tanks against the unarmed activists – eight years before the then-British colony was to be handed back to China.

Demonstrations are held in Hong Kong every year to mark the Tiananmen anniversary, but this year’s protests were more highly charged because Hong Kong’s own democratic aspirations were crushed last month when Beijing ruled out direct elections soon.

About 5,600 people marched, according to opposition lawmaker and rally organiser Szeto Wah.

Police provided no immediate estimate, but the crowd was clearly in the thousands, with people forming a long line that snaked through Hong Kong’s business district.

China says its troops acted properly in stopping what officials have called a counter-revolutionary riot. Hundreds if not thousands of activists were killed.

The protesters denounced China for detaining dissidents in the mainland ahead of the 15th anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.

“The regime is still not open enough to face its people,” said Jackie Hung, a Roman Catholic human rights activist.

Beijing caused outrage last month by ruling that Hong Kong people cannot democratically elect their next leader in 2007 and all lawmakers in 2008.

Hong Kong’s unpopular leader, Tung Chee-hwa, was chosen by an 800-member committee loyal to Beijing. In September elections, ordinary voters will get to choose just 30 of 60 lawmakers, stirring worries in the government that Hong Kong could get a Legislative Council that won’t support Tung.

The other 30 seats will be picked by special interest groups, such as business leaders.

“If China uses such methods against Hong Kong, I can’t imagine it being that friendly to human rights in China,” Hung said.