Commemorating the 831 Incident: Hongkongers in the UK Rally for Freedom and Justice

Yesterday, over 800 Hongkongers in the UK gathered in London to participate in a rally and march marking the fifth anniversary of the 831 incident. The event began with a rally at Trafalgar Square, where a flag-raising ceremony for the blue and white Hong Kong flag was held. The flag was raised as “Glory to Hong Kong” was played, and then lowered to half-mast in mourning for the 831 incident.

Before the march began, speeches were given by Hong Kong Watch founder Benedict Rogers, representative of the British Hong Kongers’ Association, Jason, a victim of the 831 incident, and other speakers.

The march proceeded from Trafalgar Square, passing through Chinatown, and headed towards the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London. During the march, participants held signs related to the 831 incident and in support of political prisoners, denouncing police brutality in Hong Kong while chanting slogans such as “One Hong Kong, One Nation” and “Fight for Freedom, Stand with Hong Kong.” They also distributed leaflets to locals explaining the 831 Prince Edward Station incident.

Upon arriving at the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in London, former Demosisto Standing Committee member Glue Ho Ka-Yau, spokesperson for the Independent Committee for Hong Kong Advocacy Tony Chung, and former Yau Tsim Mong District Councillor Ben Lam delivered speeches. A public speaking session was then opened, followed by a flag-lowering ceremony.

Many of the Hongkongers attending the event brought their children along, hoping to ensure that they do not forget the truth and understand how Hongkongers once took to the streets to fight for freedom and democracy, only to be violently suppressed by the Hong Kong Communist regime.

We extend our gratitude to all the Hongkongers who participated in this event despite the threat of cross-border repression, and to all the speakers for their contributions.

We hope that one day, Hong Kong will be successfully liberated, and that the people of Hong Kong will reclaim their city’s future. May justice be served for all those cruelly oppressed by the regime.

Photo Credit: RFA and VOA