Hong Kong - Freedom protests held

(27 Jun 1997) T/I: 10:02:56


Protests were held in Hong Kong on Friday (27/6) in favour of freedom in Tibet, and in support of a jailed Chinese dissident as demonstrators took advantage of the last days of British rule to exercise their right to peaceful protest. The new Chinese authorities have indicated they will be less tolerant of dissent following the handover on June 30.
Across town on the steps of the building which houses Xinhua, the official Chinese news agency, the Hong Kong Alliance organised a protest calling for the relase of Wei Jingsheng, recently sentenced to 15 years in jail for dissident activity.

SHOWS:

HONG KONG 27/6
Statue square;
banner reading "Free Tibet";
Mrs Dorji Dolma with poster;
SOT Mrs Dolma: "I'm here as a Tibetan to protest about the Chinese occupation of Tibet, while it's still possible to do so in Hong Kong, because we understand that once Hong Kong is handed over to China. Mr Tung Chee-hwa has said any calls for Tibetan independence in Hong Kong will not be permitted, so we will be taking this opportunity while it is still possible."
Police officer checking passport of Mrs Alison Reynolds - Free Tibet Campaign;
SOT Alison Reynolds: "I think the police are sympathetic to our protest. They understand that we are making a final call for Tibetan freedom before it becomes illegal on 1st of July. They've taken my details, and I explained exactly what we are doing and they've gone to talk to their department.";
GVs demonstration with colourful banner;
Outside Xinhua News Agency;
small crowd with pictures of Wie Jingsheng;
SOT Albert Lo (Hong Kong Alliance): "Today, we demonstrate and protest against the Chinese government. The Chinese government has jailed Wei Jingsheng for 15 years.
More shots of pictures of Wei Jingsheng on steps of Xinhua offices;
SOT Albert Lo: "We will organise a demonstration on 1st July, not only for the release of political prisoners, but also to reverse the verdict of July 4th."

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