Usually on July 1, tens of thousands of people take to the streets in Hong Kong to protest against anything from Beijing's manoeuvres in the city to unaffordable housing. Many protesters, however, say they were demanding Beijing respect constitutionally guaranteed rights and freedoms. 'They want to kill the monkey to scare the chicken, then we must let them know Hong Kongers won't give up.'Д«eijing said the law was necessary after mass pro-democracy and anti-China protests in 2019 that it described as endangering national security. 'On the day of July 1, I am nothing more than one of tens of thousands of Hong Kongers who want their voices heard,' tweeted pro-democracy campaigner and barrister Chow Hang-tung, who was rearrested on the eve of the sensitive anniversary. So far under the law, authorities have arrested 117 people, mostly democratic politicians, activists, journalists and students. Officials in Beijing and Hong Kong say it has plugged national security 'loopholes' exposed by anti-government demonstrations in 2019. 2 last week after playing a key role in the crackdown over the past year as security secretary.Д¬ritics of the government say it has used the security law to crush dissent. Lee was speaking at a flag-raising ceremony marking the 24th anniversary of the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997, which coincides with the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party.Д¬hief Executive Carrie Lam and other senior officials were invited to Beijing for the party celebrations. The law was Beijing's first major step to put the global financial hub onto an authoritarian path, kick-starting a campaign dubbed 'patriots rule Hong Kong,' which included moves to reduce democratic representation in the city's legislature and various screening mechanisms for politicians.

'Hong Kong absolutely has the conditions to rebound,' he said.Д«eijing imposed the security law on June 30 last year to punish anything China deems as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Hong Kong's acting leader John Lee said in a speech the authorities would continue to take a 'steady stance' to protect national security, and that the city had returned to order after a period of chaos. Parts of Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island - where an annual civil society and pro-democracy march normally begins - were shut down to prevent processions or meetings, and all other public assemblies were banned by police, citing COVID-19 restrictions. The assailant's motive was not immediately clear.ДЄround a dozen people were also arrested for allegedly distributing 'seditious' leaflets. The policeman was taken to hospital with a serious injury, police said. Police and hospital spokespersons were unable to give details on how he died. One man died after stabbing a police officer with a knife. Passers-by were stopped and searched, with at least 20 people arrested. Police vans, water cannon trucks, armoured vehicles and police units patrolled the streets. HONG KONG, July 1 (Reuters) - Police deployed in the streets of Hong Kong in large numbers on Thursday to prevent protests on the anniversary of its return to Chinese rule as its acting leader said last year's national security law had restored order after a period of chaos.

Victoria 2 communist flags