A quarter of a century: Remembering Tiananmen

Dozens gathered last night in Senado Square to hold a vigil marking the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen massacre that killed hundreds of students and protesters in 1989, according to figures from NGOs. The Chinese central government, however, continues to deny such accusations. This was the first time since 1999 that a vigil was allowed to be held in Macau’s main square. In previous years, a vigil was allowed downtown but only outside S. Domingos Church. The annual vigil is usually organised by the United Citizens’ Association led by legislators Au Kam San and Ng Kuok Cheong, who are also members of the New Macau Association led by Jason Chao. Senado Square is usually reserved for International Children’s Day activities. However, the site this year was free after an association of students from Chong Wa school cancelled their request for the space in a document handed to the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM). Jason Chao had previously requested holding the vigil there but was denied due to activities relating to Children’s Day. The students’ association, however, cancelled their activities there in memory of Ma Man Kei, whose funeral was held the same day. This left the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau without reason to reject a request to hold the annual vigil at Senado Square. Macau and Hong Kong are the only places in the whole of China where the date of June 4, 1989 is publicly remembered.