Hong Kong police detain artists and activists on Tiananmen Square massacre 34th anniversary

June 4 (UPI) -- Hong Kong police have arrested or detained more than a dozen protesters at the park that once hosted annual memorial ceremonies for the Tiananmen Square crackdown anniversary.

A 23-year-old woman was arrested and charged Friday on suspicion of acting with seditious intention and possessing seditious material, according to a press release from the Hong Kong police.

At least 23 people have also been detained, including activists and artists, for displaying signs that contained "seditious wordings," and breaking other laws near Causeway Bay, a retail district near the island's shore, the South China Morning Post reports.

Police have since stepped up security near Victoria Park, stopping passersby to check their bags leading up to Sunday's anniversary. Thousands of officers have been deployed across the city.

"Police are highly concerned about some people attempting to incite and provoke others to commit illegal acts that endanger national security, public order and public safety," a police statement said. "Police will continue to step up patrols and enhance intelligence-gathering, closely monitor the situation of various districts and strive to prevent and combat crimes."

Police also cited chanting, which have included "fight for freedom, stand with Hong Kong," as a cause for concern.

Events recognizing the anniversary of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre have been banned in mainland China since 2020.

Also among those detained was 67-year-old Alexandra Wong, a pro-democracy activist, the BBC reports. In 2020, China expanded its list of criminal activities relating to dissent.

"We are alarmed by reports of detentions in #HKSAR linked to June 4 anniversary," the United Nations human rights office said in a statement, referring to the city by its official Hong Kong Special Administrative Region name.

"We urge the release of anyone detained for exercising freedom of expression & peaceful assembly. We call on authorities to fully abide by obligations under Int'l Covenant on Civil & Political rights."