Candlelight vigil in Taipei remembers Tiananmen massacre

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — An annual candlelight vigil in Taipei on Wednesday night commemorated the victims of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in China and the value of democracy in Taiwan.

The New School for Democracy and other human rights groups in Taipei organized the vigil under the themes of defying authoritarianism and resisting transnational repression. Despite the rain, approximately 3,000 people reportedly gathered at Liberty Square for the commemoration.

Hongkongers living in Taiwan made up many of the attendees, reports said. Some used to attend the vigil in Hong Kong every year before the implementation of the national security law in 2020.

One Hongkonger at the event said he moved to Taiwan in 2019 and appreciates its ability to commemorate the massacre. He added that the annual commemoration also serves as a warning, reminding people in Taiwan that they are still under threat from China.

Mainland Affairs Council Minister Chiu Chui-cheng (邱垂正) was also reportedly present at the event and spoke with organizers.