Christian Times runs blank front page ahead of Tiananmen anniversary

A Hong Kong Christian newspaper has left its front page mostly blank ahead of the 35th anniversary of China's 1989 crackdown on protesters in Tiananmen Square.

The weekly Christian Times wrote in its latest issue, seen online Saturday (Jun 1), that it "can only respond to the current situation by turning paragraphs into blank squares and white space", adding that society has become "restrictive".

The Christian Times usually publishes Tiananmen-related content ahead of every anniversary, but this year said its front page could not be printed "due to an issue".

"In recent years, Hong Kong's society has changed drastically and become more restrictive," the paper said in an editorial published along with another mostly redacted article.

"Even a prayer based on historical memories may arouse 'concern'."

Hong Kong bishop Stephen Chow called this week for forgiveness and healing in an article that obliquely referenced the June 4 anniversary.

"It is still a sore spot that needs to be properly addressed... Nevertheless, I realize that I cannot wait and must instead move forward," Chow wrote.

Public forms of commemoration in Hong Kong, such as candlelight vigils for the Tiananmen anniversary, have been banned or driven underground since Beijing imposed a national security law on the city in 2020.

Seven people were arrested this week for sedition and accused of making social media posts that "took advantage of an upcoming sensitive date".

A Catholic mass to commemorate victims of the Tiananmen crackdown -- held annually for more than three decades -- was axed in 2022 after organizers said they feared violating Hong Kong law.

(Staff reporter and AFP)