Hong Kong, mainland Chinese authorities slam UN criticism of handling of Tiananmen Square crackdown anniversary
- Authorities hit back after UN reaction to June 4 crackdown anniversary detentions and international consulates’ commemorations of event
- Chinese Foreign Ministry says international views attempt to ‘smear China and interfere in its internal affairs’
The UN on Monday said it was alarmed over Hong Kong detentions of people who tried to mark the 34th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown at the weekend.
But the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed the criticism and said it was an attempt to “smear China and interfere in its internal affairs” that would not succeed.
The war of words broke out after police detained a total of 32 people over the weekend in connection with the June 4 anniversary – eight on Saturday and 24 on Sunday.
There were five arrests, and others, including journalist Mak Yin-ting, were detained but later released.
The Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said: “We are alarmed by reports of detentions linked to the June 4 anniversary.”
It added: “We urge the release of anyone detained for exercising freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. We call on authorities to fully abide by obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
