On June 4, Hong Kong police will deploy up to 6,000 officers to patrol key areas of the city, including Victoria Park, the Central Government Offices, the liaison office, and throughout the city.
This is in response to the 34th anniversary of the June 4 crackdown, when thousands of pro-democracy demonstrators were violently suppressed by Chinese military forces in Beijing.
Victoria Park has been the traditional venue for the pro-democracy camp to commemorate the crackdown, but it was banned by police in 2020 due to
COVID-19 concerns.
The park was subsequently cordoned off in the following years.
This year, the park has been booked instead by pro-establishment groups to hold a carnival celebrating the 26th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.
The carnival's organizers have said they have arranged security measures to ensure safety and order, and they will promptly report to police if they find anyone who attempts to disrupt the event.
Participants are also banned from displaying political slogans or engaging in politically motivated activities.
In light of the "lone wolf-style" attack on July 1, 2021, in which a man stabbed an officer from behind and plunged a knife into his chest, police officers will be wearing protective vests during patrols.