Hong Kong protests: 7 religious marches approved by police for Good Friday, but churches told national security law must be obeyed
- Masks prohibited at all marches except one planned by church in Tin Shui Wai, while another on The Peak requires worshippers to wear labels
- Police letter of no objection calls on organisers to ensure national security law upheld, but numbered lanyard measure not imposed
Seven religious marches have been approved by police to be held on Good Friday in Hong Kong, as the force required all church organisers to ensure compliance with the Beijing-imposed national security law.
Masks are prohibited at all the marches except one planned by a church in Tin Shui Wai, while organisers of another on The Peak have been required to tell worshippers to wear labels with the name of the church for the duration of the procession, according to the force.
Reverend Kenneth Lau Wing-kan, provincial secretary general of Hong Kong Sheng Kung Hui, which runs the Tin Shui Wai church, on Thursday said he found the overall arrangements acceptable.
“The conditions imposed on each religious event are not exactly the same, as the churches may be liaising with different police districts, and each event also comes with different arrangements,” Lau told the Post.
“The route we chose for the march in Tin Shui Wai was not so busy, perhaps that’s why police did not ask participants to identify themselves with labels.”
He said Friday’s event – titled “The Way of the Cross” – was meant to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The church expected fewer than 120 participants, who would stop and pray at 14 stations along the route.
“I believe the rules will be sensible. If more people wish to join the march, the extra ones are unlikely to be turned away – it can’t be that rigid,” he said.
