HONG KONG—Hong Kong police on Monday denied permission for a rally on July 1, the 24th anniversary of the former British colony’s handover to Chinese rule, citing coronavirus restrictions, the organizers said. Tens of thousands of residents have traditionally marched on July 1 to demand everything from greater democracy to a solution to one of the world’s most expensive property markets. This year’s anniversary is particularly sensitive as it coincides with events to mark the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party, with dozens of Hong Kong officials traveling to Beijing to join celebrations. In a notice sent to the organizers—the League of Social Democrats, Tin Shui Wai Connection, Save Lantau Alliance—and seen by Reuters, police said that given rules on gatherings of more than four people, any rally would cause “great risk to citizens’ lives and health, harming public safety and affecting others’ rights”. Police also told the organizers anyone …