Hongkongers Held Aloft Their Appeal for Freedom and Light on Lion Rock Amidst Darkness

Act of bravery under threat of National Security Law to speak out on 4th anniversary of anti-extradition movement

Glory HK. Lion Rock. Courtesy of Alex Chan

June 9 marked the fourth anniversary of the anti-extradition movement in Hong Kong. Under the threat of the national security law (NSL), when the Hong Kong media was silenced, and local commemorative activities seemed to have disappeared, there were still some Hongkongers who braved the rain to ascend atop Lion Rock, a landmark symbol of Hong Kong people and raised the “GLORY HK” light sign, expressing their hope for freedom and light amidst darkness.

On the night of June 9, it was rainy with occasional fog in Hong Kong, and the top of Lion Rock was shrouded with clouds and fog for most of the time. However, several Hongkongers still insisted on going up amidst darkness, raising their light boards to express their aspirations.

Glory HK is edited from “Glory to HK,” a song widely sung by Hong Kong citizens during the anti-extradition movement. It even ranked continuously higher than the Chinese national anthem when searching under the thread “Hong Kong national anthem” on Google. It led lately to the Hong Kong government resorting to the application for a court injunction to ban it, citing reasons such as it can be used “directly or indirectly as a slogan inciting sedition;“ and ”being repeatedly mistaken as the Hong Kong national anthem;” constituting “an insult to the official national anthem,” and the like.

Four years ago, on June 9, one million Hong Kong people took to the streets to protest the government’s extradition bill amendment, and the Hong Kong anti-extradition movement broke out and lasted for around half a year. During the campaign, the police arrested more than 10,000 citizens, including pro-democracy lawmakers and media executives, and detained them pending trial.

Later, the National Security Law (NSL) for Hong Kong was passed by the CCP legislative body, which overrides the common law implemented in Hong Kong and restricts the freedoms of Hong Kong people. The government imprisoned without trial, democrats whom the CCP dislikes, forced dozens of media outlets to shut down, and many scholars fled Hong Kong.

Lion Rock represents the spirit of Hong Kong. During the anti-extradition movement, Hong Kong people often hung giant banners on top of it to inspire people to keep their faith. Ascending the Lion Rock to express their aspiration for freedom has a deep-rooted meaning to Hong Kong people today, but the organizers and participants bear the risk of being arrested at any time.

Some witnesses and participants said that the “injunction” cannot stop people’s hearts, and “GLORY to Hong Kong” has taken root in the hearts of every Hongkonger.

Another ascender “Siu Kwan” believes that as long as we persevere, the day of democracy and freedom will come. “It is not to persevere because there is hope. It is because we persevere, then there is hope. Come on, Hong Kong people!”

Climber “HongKonger” pointed out that everyone should use wisdom and remain flexible, “Be water.” At the same time, he would like to thank the Hong Kong people who are not afraid of oppression and intimidation around the clock and who are still working hard no matter where they are.

Another climber “Mr. Chan” felt grateful that many Hong Kong people still continue to bring their lights to Lion Rock amid darkness and help illuminate each other.

He specifically mentioned reporter Bao Choy Yuk-ling, who was convicted for searching for information from the number plate system. “After years of hard work, her appeal was finally upheld, which is encouraging.” In addition, he also respects the protesters who are not afraid of the high wall they are up against. People such as Tonyee Chow Hang-tung and “Granny” Wong, among others. Their courage and persistence are touching. At the same time, we should not forget the many martyrs who died for Hong Kong earlier; even though their bodies have left, their faith will last forever.

Another ascender, who calls himself a “letter fan,” demands the immediate release of all political prisoners. He also hopes that everyone should pay more attention to the oppressed and make them feel they are not alone.

A participant recalled that some music was wafting from a distance when they were almost at the top of Lion Rock. Then they found two young people enjoying the scenery while playing songs such as “Glory to Hong Kong, Be Water, For those who stayed, for those who had left, and What Happened” on their mobile phones.

They met, and after deliberation, the two young people said that they came to Lion Rock on the evening of June 9th. It was fate to meet each other up there.

They also mentioned that even if they go to foreign countries in the future, they will continue to speak out for the Hong Kong people. While walking and talking on the way, they gave cheer to each other, “Brothers climb mountains together but by their own efforts,” and shouted together, “Come on, Hong Kong people!