In Pictures

In Pictures: Hong Kong protests over China security law

Thousands gather downtown for annual rally marking the anniversary of former British colony’s handover to China.

Protesters against the new national security law gesture with five fingers, signifying the "Five demands - not one less" on the anniversary of Hong Kong''s handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong, — Protesters against the new national security law gesture with five fingers, signifying the 'Five demands - not one less' on the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong. [Vincent Yu/AP Photo]

Hong Kong police used water cannon to break up the first protest since China introduced sweeping security legislation and police made first arrests under it, warning of punishment for advocating “secession or subversion”.

Thousands of protesters gathered downtown on Wednesday for an annual rally marking the anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to China in 1997.

Beijing unveiled on Tuesday the details of the national security law after weeks of uncertainty.

“I am scared of going to jail but for justice I have to come out today, I have to stand up,” said one 35-year-old man who gave his name as Seth.

Crowds spilling out into the streets chanted “Resist till the end” and “Hong Kong independence”.

Police fired water cannon to chase them away and later said they made 30 arrests for illegal assembly, obstruction, possession of weapons and violating the new law.

“You are displaying flags or banners/chanting slogans/or conducting yourselves with an intent such as secession or subversion, which may constitute offences under the … national security law,” police said in a message displayed on a purple banner.

The law will punish crimes of “secession”, “subversion”, “terrorism” and “collusion with foreign forces” with up to life in prison and officially set up mainland security agencies in Hong Kong for the first time, with powers beyond city laws.

China’s parliament adopted it in response to months of pro-democracy protests last year triggered by fears that Beijing was stifling the city’s freedoms, guaranteed by a “one country, two systems” formula agreed when it returned to Chinese rule.

Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have repeatedly said the legislation is aimed at a few “troublemakers” and will not affect rights and freedoms, nor investor interests.

But critics fear it will crush the freedoms that are seen as key to Hong Kong’s success as a financial centre.

Police detained a protester during a march marking the anniversary of the Hong Kong handover from Britain to China, Wednesday, July. 1, 2020, in Hong Kong. Hong Kong marked the 23rd anniversary of its — Police detained a protester during a march marking the anniversary of the Hong Kong handover from Britain to China. [Kin Cheung/AP Photo]

A couple walks past riot police as anti-national security law protesters march during the anniversary of Hong Kong''s handover to China from Britain, in Hong Kong, China July 1, 2019. REUTERS/Tyrone Si — A couple walks past riot police as anti-national security law protesters march during the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China from Britain. [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

Riot police walk past a fire set by anti-national security law protesters during a march at the anniversary of Hong Kong''s handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong, China July 1, 2020. REUTERS/Tyro — Riot police walk past a fire set by anti-national security law protesters during the march. [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

epa08519364 A commuter walks past a vandalised poster promoting the new national security law, in a subway station in Hong Kong, China, 01 July 2020. Chinese President Xi Jinping has signed into law t — A commuter walks past a vandalised poster promoting the new national security law, in a subway station in Hong Kong. [Miguel Candela/EPA]

Protests display banners during a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city''s handover from Britain to China. - A man found in possess — Beijing unveiled the details of the law on Tuesday after weeks of uncertainty. [Dale De La Rey/AFP]

Riot police clear a street as protesters gathered to rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city''s handover from Britain to China. - A m — Riot police clear a street as protesters gather to rally against the new national security law. [Dale De La Rey/AFP]

Riot police (L) deploy pepper spray toward journalists (R) as protesters gathered for a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city''s ha — A man found in possession of a Hong Kong independence flag became the first person to be arrested under Beijing's new national security law for the city, police said. [Dale De La Rey/AFP]

Riot police detain a woman as they clear protesters taking part in a rally against a new national security law in Hong Kong on July 1, 2020, on the 23rd anniversary of the city''s handover from Britain — Riot police detain a woman as they clear protesters taking part in the rally against the new national security law. [Dale De La Rey/AFP]

epa08519494 Protesters set fire to a barricade in an attempt to block a road during a rally against a new national security law, on the 23rd anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special A — Protesters set fire to a barricade in an attempt to block a road during a rally against the new national security law in Causeway Bay. [Jerome Favre/EPA]

Riot police use water cannon to disperse anti-national security law protesters during a march at the anniversary of Hong Kong''s handover to China from Britain in Hong Kong, China July 1, 2019. REUTERS — Riot police used water cannons to disperse protesters. [Tyrone Siu/Reuters]

Police detain protesters after during a protest in Causeway Bay before the annual handover march in Hong Kong, Wednesday, July. 1, 2020. Hong Kong marked the 23rd anniversary of its handover to China — Police said they made 30 arrests for illegal assembly, obstruction, possession of weapons and violating the new law. [Kin Cheung/AP Photo]