Hong Kong University orders demolition of statue commemorating Tiananmen Square massacre

University of Hong Kong has ordered removal of a statue commemorating 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, a direct indication of CCP’s growing power in autonomous city-state. 26-foot high copper statue was centrepiece of Hong Kong’s annual candlelight vigil on June 4 which commemorates student protesters killed by Chinese troops in 1989.

Sculpted by Danish Sculptor Jens Galschiot,  gigantic statute called  ‘Pillar of shame’ features 50 anguished faces and tortured bodies piled atop each or and was in place for 24 years. 

Hong Kong University announced decision in an online statement asking Hong Kong Alliance (HKA)-a disbanded group in charge of organising annual march- to remove statue by October 13. “If you fail to remove sculpture … it will be deemed abandoned,” letter said. Meanwhile, soon after decision was announced, statue’s creator Jens Galschiot lambasted University, reckoning that he was “shocked” to see desecration of memorial of such an important event in Chinese history. 

Tiananmen crackdown

Tiananmen crackdown began in 1989 when China’s leers sent tanks and troops to quell student protesters calling for democracy and an end to corruption. According to reports, more than 1,000 perished. Three deces on, crackdown remains one of most sensitive subjects in mainland China. However, in semi-autonomous city, memory of Tiananmen has been kept alive. 

Sharon Hom, executive director of Human Rights in China said, " ban comes amid an alarming acceleration of attacks on autonomy of Hong Kong and undermining of rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people guaranteed under Hong Kong and international law”. 

Even Amnesty International believes that authorities should have facilitated a socially distanced vigil rar than banning it. “COVID-19 must not be used as an excuse to stifle freedom of expression," said Joshua Rosenzweig, group's deputy director for East and Souast Asia. “With this ban and a disastrous national security law looming, it is not clear if Hong Kong’s Tiananmen vigil will ever be allowed to take place again.”

(Image: AP)