Bloody Christmas (1951)

Bloody Christmas (1951) refers to the events that occurred in Hong Kong on December 25, 1951, when Hong Kong Police officers stormed the Shek Kip Mei squatter area. The incident resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, primarily among the squatters, and sparked widespread public outrage.

The Shek Kip Mei area housed a large population of refugees and impoverished residents living in makeshift homes. Following a minor dispute between a police officer and a squatter, police reinforcements were called in. The situation escalated rapidly, with police using tear gas and firearms. Reports suggest excessive force was used against the largely unarmed population.

The events of Bloody Christmas led to a public inquiry and significant reforms within the Hong Kong Police Force, including improved training and stricter regulations regarding the use of force. It also highlighted the severe social and economic inequalities existing in Hong Kong at the time and contributed to increased awareness of the plight of squatters and the need for improved housing provisions. The incident remains a significant and controversial event in Hong Kong's history, remembered as a symbol of police brutality and social injustice.