Stand strong and brace for long battle over extradition bill, mourners told at vigil for two protesters at Hong Kong Education University
- More than 100 students and alumni gather to remember two women – an undergraduate and a former student – who died last month
- It was one of two events to mourn four people whose deaths were linked to the crisis surrounding the now-suspended bill
The sentiments were echoed by more than 100 students and alumni at a vigil at the university in Tai Po to remember the two women – an undergraduate and a former student – who died last month.
The gathering was one of two events on Saturday to mourn four people whose deaths were linked to the crisis surrounding the now-suspended bill including through suicide notes or other references to the mass protests, which began last month.
“Hongkongers, we cannot afford to lose even one single life, we have to stand strong together,” EdU student representative Wong Tsz-yan told the crowd. “If we want to win this fight, we win it together, until the day we see the extradition bill fully withdrawn.”
University president Stephen Cheung Yan-leung paid his respects to the family of the student who died last week, saying he would “provide all possible support to help them through this difficult time,” an EdU statement said.
Reverend Chu Yiu-ming, one of the three founders of the 2014 Occupy campaign for greater democracy, was among those who laid flowers and observed three minutes of silence for the two women.
What next for Hong Kong’s extradition bill protesters?
He also urged Hongkongers to persevere, leading the group to sing We Shall Overcome – a Christian song associated with different civil rights movements globally.
“There is still a long way to go and we must walk together, shoulder to shoulder, to continue this fight for those who have lost their lives, so they will not be forgotten in Hong Kong’s history,” Chu said.
The government’s bill, which would have allowed the transfer of fugitives to mainland China and other jurisdictions with which the city had no extradition agreement, sparked two massive protests with an estimated 2 million people taking to the streets on one occasion.
The huge rallies, along with violent clashes between young protesters and police, eventually forced the government to suspend the bill on June 15. Hundreds of mostly young protesters ransacked the city’s legislature on July 1 to call for the full withdrawal of the bill.
EdU alumni Sharon Tung, 62, who took part in the recent mass rallies, did not agree with the methods of those who stormed the Legislative Council but said she would not condemn them.
“As a mother, I understand young people have their own thoughts. But I can only hope they will not put themselves in danger and give up the best time of their lives,” she said.
Separately, the Anti-Extradition Protest Trust, which earlier raised HK$12 million (US$1.5 million) to support protesters’ legal or medical expenses, has formally registered and will be renamed the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, a reference to clashes around Legco on June 12.
The fund has pledged to offer support to any family, friends of protesters, or journalists who need psychological counselling related to the recent protests, or legal help in making complaints against police. It is not limited to the protest on June 12.
Each and every life is very precious. With one more voice, we have one extra supporter
A trustee of the fund, former lawmaker Margaret Ng Ngoi-yee, said they wanted to be as open as possible to help people in need. Retired cardinal Joseph Zen Ze-kiun, another trustee, tearfully urged young people to cherish life and fight together.
“Each and every life is very precious. With one more voice, we have one extra supporter … we need them,” Zen said. “We hope everyone will stay together, united and use peaceful ways in future.”
He also paid tribute to the young protesters and said he spoke of the strong dissatisfaction by the people. “We hope the government will not punish the young people who spoke up for us,” Zen said.
The Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists in a statement, meanwhile, expressed “deep concern over emotional disturbances” some had experienced in response to recent societal upheavals.
It appealed to the public to cherish life and to seek help when experiencing any intense emotional reactions, or feelings of helplessness and hopelessness.
Hundreds gathered at Edinburgh Place in Central on Saturday night to mourn a 29-year-old woman, who fell to her death in the neighbourhood on June 30.
People waited in line to lay flowers, light incense and candles during the vigil which started at 8pm.
Those present chanted Buddhist scriptures and prayed, while volunteers distributed material offering help for people with emotional difficulties.
Renet Lee, 32, an instructor for the visually impaired, said she was saddened by the deaths during the protests against the extradition bill and was pessimistic about the city’s future.
I hope no more people lose their lives over the anti-extradition bill. I’m worried about young students
“I hope no more people lose their lives over the anti-extradition bill. I’m worried about young students. They are too innocent, and prone to being affected emotionally,” she said, “but there is no use sacrificing your lives because the government will ignore your appeals as usual.”
“We are protesting to let the whole world know what’s happening on Hong Kong,” she continued, “but the government just wanted to talk to students in closed-door meetings. I hope Hong Kong’s youngsters can continue to do what they can in the hope of making a change.”
If you, or someone you know, are having suicidal thoughts, help is available. For Hong Kong, dial +852 2896 0000 for The Samaritans or +852 2382 0000 for Suicide Prevention Services. In the US, call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on +1 800 273 8255. For a list of other nations’ helplines, see this page
Additional reporting by Alvin Lum and Karen Zhang
