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Protest against a Beijing decision: The pro-democratic opposition faction in Hong Kong’s parliament wants to resign as a whole. In doing so, it is reacting to the expulsion of four pro-democracy MPs. “We stand alongside our excluded colleagues,” said the group’s spokesman, Wu Chi-wai.
The Chinese government had previously given the Hong Kong authorities the green light to expel MPs who are seen as a “threat to national security.” As announced by the government of China’s special administrative region, Alvin Yeung, Kwok Ka-ki, Dennis Kwok and Kenneth Leung were removed from their offices on Wednesday.
The decision of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress in China was published by the state-run Xinhua news agency. According to this, Hong Kong MPs can be deprived of their seats without a court order if they defend Hong Kong’s independence, engage in activities that endanger national security, or help foreign forces interfere in internal affairs.
“This completely violates due process of the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and ignores basic human rights,” Dennis Kwok said, according to Reuters.
The four deputies had already been excluded from the parliamentary elections in September. However, this was later canceled and postponed until next year.
As reported by the Hong Kong newspaper “South China Morning Post”, the four politicians had participated in the so-called filibusters. Ongoing consultations prevent a vote on proposed legislation.
China passed a controversial security law for Hong Kong in late June. It is directed against activities that China considers subversive, separatist or terrorist. It is the most extensive invasion of Hong Kong’s autonomy to date and gives vast powers to China’s state security.
