Search

Beijing passes resolution to make ‘patriotism’ mandatory for Hong Kong lawmakers - Fox News

ladokopintan.blogspot.com

Hong Kong disqualified four opposition lawmakers on Wednesday after China's top legislative body passed a resolution giving local authorities the power to expel legislators without having to go through the courts, according to reports. 

The move stripped the seats of Alvin Yeung Ngok-kiu, Kwok Ka-ki, and Dennis Kwok, lawmakers of the liberal Civic Party, as well as Kenneth Leung of the Professionals Guild, a pro-democracy parliamentary group, according to Reuters. 

The city government said in a statement the four legislators were expelled from the assembly for endangering national security.

THOUSANDS FLOCK TO HALLOWEEN PARADE IN WUHAN, CHINA

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators pose a picture before a press conference at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators pose a picture before a press conference at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, Monday, Nov. 9, 2020. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu)

Earlier reports indicated the lawmakers would be accused of filibustering meetings and violating their oaths of office.

In July, the opposition lawmakers were barred from contesting the 2020 Hong Kong Legislative Council (LEGCO) elections, after they called on foreign governments to sanction Beijing and Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post reported. They were, however, allowed to serve out a one-year term extended by Beijing.

The elections were postponed a year by the government, due to concerns over the coronavirus pandemic.

At least 19 pro-democracy lawmakers on Monday threatened to resign if Beijing disqualified any of the four lawmakers. They had attempted to stand up against what many believe is Beijing's grip over the financial hub, amid promises of autonomy.

The convener of the pro-democracy camp, Wu Chi-wai, said earlier this week that any move by Beijing to disqualify the legislators and prevent them from doing their duties would be “ridiculous.”

“It reflects they are ruthless, and they disrespect the Basic Law,” he said, referring to the mini-constitution that governs the semi-autonomous territory of Hong Kong after the former British colony was handed back to China in 1997.

FBI, DOJ ANNOUNCE INDICTMENT AGAINST 8 CHINESE OPERATIVES

Kwok said that disqualifications would be a “serious departure” framework under which Hong Kong enjoys freedoms not found in mainland China.

“It seems like those in power cannot tolerate opposition anymore,” said Kwok. “They’re adamant in getting rid of all opposition in the Legislative Council, and they are adamant in getting rid of all Democrats.”

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

China has denied intruding on Hong Kong’s freedoms, however, authorities in Hong Kong and Beijing have moved swiftly to limit dissent after anti-government protests took hold in the city last year, according to Reuters

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Let's block ads! (Why?)



World - Latest - Google News
November 11, 2020 at 01:03PM
https://ift.tt/2IlXwfg

Beijing passes resolution to make ‘patriotism’ mandatory for Hong Kong lawmakers - Fox News
World - Latest - Google News
https://ift.tt/2SeTG7d


Bagikan Berita Ini

0 Response to "Beijing passes resolution to make ‘patriotism’ mandatory for Hong Kong lawmakers - Fox News"

Post a Comment

Powered by Blogger.