Tight security

HONG KONG –– Police deployed in the streets of Hong Kong in large numbers on Thursday to prevent protests on the anniversary of its return to Chinese rule as its acting leader said last year’s national security law had restored order after a period of chaos.

Police vans, water cannon trucks, armoured vehicles and police units patrolled the streets. Passers-by were stopped and searched, with at least 20 people arrested.

One man died after stabbing a police officer with a knife. Police and hospital spokespersons were unable to give details on how he died.

The policeman was taken to hospital with a serious injury, police said. The assailant’s motive was not immediately clear.

Around a dozen people were also arrested for allegedly distributing “seditious” leaflets.

Parts of Victoria Park on Hong Kong Island –– where an annual civil society and prodemocracy march normally begins –– were shut down to prevent processions or meetings, and all other public assemblies were banned by police, citing COVID-19 restrictions.

Hong Kong’s acting leader John Lee said in a speech the authorities would continue to take a “steady stance” to protect national security, and that the city had returned to order after a period of chaos.

“Hong Kong absolutely has the conditions to rebound,” he said.

Beijing imposed the security law on June 30 last year to punish anything China deems as subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.