In a Bold Act of Remembrance on Tiananmen's 36th Anniversary

In a striking act of defiance, a 50-year-old man from Hong Kong, Tsang Kin-fung, has admitted guilt after spray-painting the numbers "6436"—denoting the date of the Tiananmen Square massacre—on a noticeboard as the city marked the somber 36th anniversary of the tragic event.

Court Proceedings and Response

Tsang, who appeared before Deputy Magistrate Charlotte Kong at the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Courts, expressed remorse for his actions. He pleaded guilty to one count of criminal damage, and the court has scheduled sentencing for September 18. The judge indicated that all sentencing options remain on the table, including possible imprisonment.

The Tragic Historical Context

June 4, 1989, remains a haunting date in history, marking the violent crackdown on peaceful student-led protests in Beijing, where it's believed that hundreds, if not thousands, of lives were lost. Tsang’s graffiti, adding candle patterns alongside the numbers, was a poignant tribute to the lives lost in that pivotal moment.

Caught on Camera

Arrested the same day as his act of remembrance, police identified Tsang through surveillance footage. His lawyer argued that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time, claiming he had consumed two bottles of wine, asserting that this was out of character for him. Tsang has no prior criminal record and is prepared to cover the HK$68 cleaning bill for the damage.

Historical Vigil Now Stifled

Hong Kong once stood as a bastion for Tiananmen Square commemorations, drawing tens of thousands to candlelight vigils at Victoria Park. However, since 2020, such gatherings have been prohibited under various pretexts, including Covid-19 restrictions. The ban persists, with a pro-Beijing market now occupying the space formerly devoted to mourning the victims.

A Politically Charged Background

Known for his political activism, Tsang was previously a member of the now-disbanded Civic Party. He had been vocal against the government during the 2019 protests, advocating for the five demands for accountability and transparency. His recent actions highlight the ongoing struggle for freedom of expression in Hong Kong.

A Struggle for Memory Amidst Censorship

As people in Hong Kong grapple with the silencing of their history, Tsang’s actions serve as a reminder of the power of remembrance, even as public commemorations have been quashed. The struggle for recognition of the Tiananmen Square events continues, a complex narrative woven into the fabric of Hong Kong’s identity.