This round-up appears to have targeted famous figures for maximum deterrent effect
SINCE AN eruption of pro-democracy unrest began in Hong Kong in June 2019, more than 7,000 people have been arrested in connection with the protests and riots that roiled the territory for the rest of the year. But no action by the police has caused as much shock as a round-up on April 18th, during which 15 of Hong Kong’s best-known campaigners for democracy were charged with joining and organising illegal demonstrations during the upheaval.
Another of those arrested, Margaret Ng, also expressed defiance when she was released on bail. “When the rule of law is in a crisis, shall we walk out or fight on?” the 72-year-old barrister and former legislator asked. It was, she said, the first time she had been arrested.
Under Hong Kong’s colonial-era Public Order Ordinance, any gathering of more than three people without police approval can be deemed “unauthorised”. Attendees risk three years in prison. Encouraging others to take part in such an assembly can incur a sentence of up to five years. Between June and December last year as many as 2m Hong Kongers are estimated to have taken part in such demonstrations after police stopped giving permission for rallies.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
U.S., Britain condemn arrests of Hong Kong democracy advocatesThe U.S. and Britain have condemned the arrests of at least 14 pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong on charges of joining anti-government protests.
Read more »
U.S. condemns arrests of Hong Kong democracy activistsThe Trump administration on Saturday condemned Hong Kong's arrests of 15 activists, including veteran politicians, a publishing tycoon and senior barristers, describing them as 'inconsistent' with China's international commitments.
Read more »
U.S., U.K. condemn Hong Kong arrests of democracy advocatesThe U.S. has condemned the arrests of at least 14 veteran pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong on charges of joining massive anti-government protests last year.
Read more »
US, UK condemn Hong Kong arrests of democracy advocatesHONG KONG (AP) — The United States condemned the arrests of at least 14 veteran pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong on charges of joining massive anti-government protests last year, saying the...
Read more »
Foreign governments condemn arrest of Hong Kong activistsThe US and the UK both criticised the arrests of anti-Beijing movement supporters included Democratic Party founder and barrister Martin Lee, 81, millionaire publishing tycoon Jimmy Lai, 71, and former lawmaker and barrister Margaret Ng, 72.
Read more »
Foreign governments condemn Hong Kong protest arrestsForeign governments criticized the arrest of 15 Hong Kong democracy activists in a police sweep on charges of organizing and participating in anti-government protests last year.
Read more »