Protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Friday to mark the anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China, with pro-independence groups rallying for the first time amid fears Beijing is tightening its grip.
But a Hong Kong bookseller who was detained and interrogated for months in mainland China, and was due to lead the annual march, pulled out at the last minute citing a "serious threat" to his security.
Tensions are high in the southern Chinese city after the explosive revelations by Lam Wing-kee, whose account of his detention on the mainland after he went missing last year sent shockwaves through a city where residents are worried of eroding freedoms.
The 61-year-old was one of five employees of a Hong Kong firm that published salacious titles about leading Chinese politicians and who disappeared only to resurface over the border.
His story fanned growing concerns that Beijing is increasing its influence in semi-autonomous Hong Kong, which is ruled under a "one country, two systems" deal enshrined in the July 1997 handover agreement, guaranteeing its freedoms and way of life for 50 years.
"Lam Wing Kee is facing a serious threat and is forced to not attend the rally," said protest leader Lau Shan-Ching, who spent 10 years in a Chinese jail as a prisoner of conscience.
The march organisers said Lam had pulled out because he had been tailed in recent days.
"He had observed that he had been followed by strangers in the last two days. He got greatly annoyed about his personal safety so he decided not to come today," pro-democracy lawmaker Albert Ho told reporters.
"Mr Lam has reason to be scared that this may be people from the mainland," Ho added.
The march got underway nonetheless at around 3:30 pm (0730 GMT) from the city's Victoria Park, with the front protesters holding a huge banner that read "Stand in Unity. Protect Hong Kong".
"We want to choose our own government," shouted protesters, some of whom carried yellow umbrellas -- a symbol of the pro-democracy movement that brought parts of the city to a standstill for months in 2014.
Anger, disappointment
"As a Hongkonger, I feel I need to speak out for the city. To pursue democracy is the issue this generation is most concerned about," rally participant Eva Li, 20, told AFP.
Jackie Hung, a member of pro-democracy Civil Human Rights Front, said the city's unpopular leader Leung Chun-ying should resign.
"(Hong Kong people) are angry with the current government and very disappointed at how things are managed," she told AFP.
The turnout at the beginning of the march appeared lower than the organiser's predictions of 100,000, but it was expected to gather pace as it snaked through the city.
A sense of impotence clouded last year's rally after the 2014 protests failed to win political reform and the turnout was low.
But there are growing calls in the city to take a different path in demanding more rights, particularly from groups like the emerging "localist" movement, which is seeking independence from China.
Some are now demanding a return to British rule as a stepping stone towards independence, while others say violence may be necessary to bring change.
Following the main march, several pro-independence groups are due to gather outside China's liaison office in a protest seen as a possible flashpoint.
Participants have said they will wear black clothes and masks. A poster advertising the rally showed mocked-up demonstrators wearing motorcycle helmets and carrying sticks.
Police have already warned they will take "resolute and effective actions against illegal acts" and say the pro-independence protesters have not asked for required permission for their rally.
Leung stopped short of speaking about the rallies Friday morning during an official celebration of the handover, but asked Hongkongers to be "united".
"As long as we stay united and work together, Hong Kong will continue to progress and develop," he said as a dozen protesters burned an effigy of him outside the celebration venue at the city's Convention and Exhibition Centre.
AFP
Fri Jul 01 2016
Protesters took to the streets of Hong Kong Friday to mark the anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.