Hong Kong authorities allowed a protest event for the first time in years on Sunday, but it was held under strict rules that would be unacceptable in most Western countries.
Hong Kong police required each of the protesters to wear a numbered badge around their necks during the event, and organizers were required to ensure no more than 100 people attended. The group, which eventually numbered about 80 people, was protesting against the construction of new waste treatment plants.
Police surrounded the group as they walked as an isolated unit.
It was the first demonstration in Hong Kong since massive protests in 2019 as China was imposing its authority over the city. Tens of thousands of people took part in those demonstrations, with protesters covering their faces in an attempt to thwart the authorities’ facial recognition systems.
TRUMP DEMANDS “RETRIBUTION” AGAINST CHINA FOR ROLE IN COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Police escorted the protesters throughout the event and the group was also cordoned off.
Protesters at the Hong Kong event were required to wear numbered badges around their necks.
Police asked the group to make sure they numbered no more than 100.
“I’m not happy, but we have to accept it. We have to accept what is deemed legal now,” Theresa Wang, 70, told Time.
A HUGE FIRE IN HONG KONG CONSUMES A SKYSCRAPER UNDER CONSTRUCTION, RAINING EMBERS ON THE STREET
Another protester, Jack Wong, said he objected to having to wear an ID badge at the event.
“But if it’s a requirement, what can I say? I prefer not to comment further. You know what I mean,” she told the magazine.
Protesters were allowed to chant slogans during the event, but were required to remain within a cordoned-off area while walking.
Protesters had to stay within police boundaries as they passed through Hong Kong.
In early March, Hong Kong police arrested a veteran union activist who is also the wife of an organizer of annual memorial vigils The Chinese crackdown of 1989 on pro-democracy protesters.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Officers arrested Elizabeth Tang, the wife of Lee Cheuk-yan, outside Stanley prison, but it was not yet clear why, according to sources who declined to be identified for fear of government retaliation.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
