Under unprecedentedly strict rules, dozens of people joined Hong Kong's first authorized protest since the lifting of major Covid-19 restrictions. Participants were required to wear a numbered badge around their necks, and police set out rules citing security reasons. Despite pandemic-related restrictions on protests and the national security law imposed by Beijing after massive protests in 2019, organizers were able to obtain police approval for the demonstration against the proposed reclamation and construction of rubbish-processing facilities. The event marked the first police-approved march of its kind after the city lifted its mask mandate and social distancing limits, but organizers had to comply with police requirements to limit the number of participants and ask for "reasonable excuse" proof from protesters who wore masks during the event.
Around 80 people protested against the proposed reclamation and construction of rubbish-processing facilities in Tseung Kwan O, a residential and industrial area in Hong Kong, on Sunday, according to the organiser. The demonstration, which was the first authorised protest since the lifting of major Covid-19 restrictions, required participants to walk in a cordoned-off moving line in the rain, amid heavy police presence. Protesters were required to wear a numbered badge around their necks and show proof of a “reasonable excuse” if wearing masks. The new restrictions were described by protester Theresa Wang as "a bit weird" but acceptable. The 70-year-old retiree hoped the protest would signal a more open government. Police stated earlier that the badge requirement aims to prevent lawbreakers from joining the march.