HONG KONG – A children’s clothes shop owner in Hong Kong has turned down his landlord’s request to remove a statue celebrating anti-government protests, saying he wanted to teach children about democracy and he was not violating the lease agreement.
Pro-democracy protests that began in the city a year ago have generated widespread support, as well as staunch opposition. There is growing concern businesses are coming under pressure to keep aloof from the movement.
The life-sized, white statue depicts a silhouetted protester wearing a helmet, gas mask and goggles, holding an umbrella in one hand and a black flag with the words “Liberate Hong Kong, revolution of our times!” in the other.
Herbert Chow, 56, who owns Chickeeduck, which has 13 outlets across the former British colony, said he would meet the landlord on Friday to discuss the statue in one of his shops. He hopes to renew the lease, which expires this month.
“The revolution that we need now is the persistent fight for … the freedom of speech, press, expression and creativity, and not to have to put up with anything that you think is unjust,” Chow told Reuters in his shop in a suburban mall.
Beijing and Hong Kong’s government say the protests which are sometimes violent have affected the city’s economy.
As Chow spoke, some shoppers were heard shouting “add oil”, a Cantonese-expression of encouragement often heard at protests.
“We will not remove it,” Chow answered them, referring to the statue.
In a letter viewed by Reuters, the landlord, Discovery Park Commercial Services Ltd, cited a clause that said decorations needed approval and holding “an exhibition” without a licence may be in breach of the law and going beyond the purpose of the tenancy.
“We have a duty to keep smooth people flow, public safety and order and ensure that all activities on the premises comply with the law,” the company said in a statement.
“In the absence of a written approval from the mall, we have requested they remove the statue as soon as possible,” it said.
Chow said the statue was “a display item” and was not part of an exhibition.
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field