Hong Kong marks 23 years of handover to China with protests and mass arrests

Hong Kong marked the 23rd anniversary of its handover to China on July 1 under the glare of a new national security law imposed by Beijing, with protests banned and the city's cherished freedoms looking increasingly fragile.

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Nine already booked under new law

Hong Kong police arrested more than 300 people on July 1 - including nine under China's new national security law - as thousands defied a ban on protests on the anniversary of the city's handover to China.

(Photograph:AFP)

‘Revolution of our times’

Protesters chant slogans during a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China.

(Photograph:AFP)

Many detained

Police detain people after they cleared protesters taking part in a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong.

(Photograph:AFP)

Thousands defy ban on protests

Hong Kong police made the first arrests under Beijing's new national security law on July 1 as the anniversary of the city's handover to China was met by thousands defying a ban on protests.

(Photograph:AFP)

Tear gas makes a comeback

Riot police deploy tear gas as they clear protesters from a road during a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China.

(Photograph:AFP)

Activists disappear

In the backdrop of China passing its controversial national security law in Hong Kong, activist groups in the city have disappeared from social media, and most pro-democracy campaigns shut fearing repercussions.

(Photograph:AFP)

The new law

With the goal to stifle anti-government protests, the legislation criminalises subversion, secession, terrorism, and working with foreign forces. The sedition aspect of the law essentially make any critique of the Chinese government illegal.

(Photograph:AFP)

Police deployed across the city

A police officer secures a cordon after police entered the Times Square shopping mall to search for protesters during a rally set against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020.

(Photograph:AFP)

Police attacked

A protester uses a sharp object against a police officer who is trying to detain a man (C) during a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city's handover from Britain to China.

(Photograph:AFP)

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