Group converge on Central in show of support for political artist after he calls off exhibition following ‘threats’ from mainland authorities
A small group of activists that included members of Russian punk rock band Pussy Riot gathered in Central on Sunday to show support for political cartoonist Badiucao and freedom of expression in Hong Kong.
Dozens had been expected to show up but only seven were seen by the time the group reached Tai Kwun, a former police station and prison turned arts and heritage complex chosen as the protest venue.
Fewer than 20 participants first converged at the foot of Cochrane Street, before walking up the hill to Tai Kwun and donning the feminist protest band’s trademark balaclavas while holding up pictures of Badiucao’s work.
Shanghai-born dissident Badiucao, whose art often satirises Chinese leaders, called off his first international solo exhibition in Hong Kong one day before its scheduled Saturday opening, with event organisers claiming he had received threats from mainland Chinese authorities. They did not provide any information on the threats.
Protest organisers claimed some participants may have been concerned about getting into trouble with police, who had a visible presence.
Pussy Riot member Nika Nikulshina said she believed many had been worried about prosecutions and had decided to break off from the march midway or not show up at all.
