China tightens security on Tiananmen anniversary
- 11 years ago
June 4th marks the anniversary of China's bloody Tiananmen Square crackdown, and security is tight in the capital.
Police cars were parked around the square, where tanks rolled through to disperse student-led demonstrations 24 years ago.
In 1989, after initially tolerating the seven-week sit-in, the Communist party sent troops to crush the protest on the night of June 3rd.
Troops opened fire on the pro-democracy demonstrators, with some run down by tanks.
An official death toll is still unknown, though hundreds are believed to have been killed.
In Hong Kong, memorials are held around the anniversary every year to honour the victims.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) HONG KONG OFFICE WORKERS, ALAN AU, SAYING:
"I think China need a long time to build up the democracy. And this anniversary remind all of us to help China to build up the democracy."
Although all discussion of the event is banned in mainland China, Hong Kong, a former British colony, enjoy
Police cars were parked around the square, where tanks rolled through to disperse student-led demonstrations 24 years ago.
In 1989, after initially tolerating the seven-week sit-in, the Communist party sent troops to crush the protest on the night of June 3rd.
Troops opened fire on the pro-democracy demonstrators, with some run down by tanks.
An official death toll is still unknown, though hundreds are believed to have been killed.
In Hong Kong, memorials are held around the anniversary every year to honour the victims.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) HONG KONG OFFICE WORKERS, ALAN AU, SAYING:
"I think China need a long time to build up the democracy. And this anniversary remind all of us to help China to build up the democracy."
Although all discussion of the event is banned in mainland China, Hong Kong, a former British colony, enjoy