HONG KONG: Hong Kong on Tuesday kick-started a process which could result in a ban on a gaggle that promotes secession from China, the first time because the former British colony's return to Chinese rule in 1997 it has sought to outlaw a political organisation.
The move towards the Hong Kong National Party comes at a time government have ratcheted up drive on younger democracy activists, some of whom have been jailed, and denounced any pro-independence motion as an illegal challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing.
The Security Bureau wrote a letter to the founding father of the birthday celebration, Andy Chan, telling him he had 21 days to "make representations in writing" as to why it will have to no longer be banned, consistent with the birthday celebration's social media web page, which posted photos of the letter.
Secretary for Security John Lee mentioned he had no longer banned the group and that he may handiest do so after giving it time to submit its reaction.
"Yes, in Hong Kong we have freedom of association, but that right is not without restriction," Lee advised newshounds.
Hong Kong is governed beneath a "one country, two systems" concept which guarantees it a prime level of autonomy and freedoms no longer loved in China, reminiscent of the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
But China's perceived tightening grip over the financial hub has stoked tensions together with the "Occupy Central" movement in 2014 that blocked major roads for nearly 3 months in a failed bid to drive Beijing to permit full democracy.
Lee would not give details about what the group had performed to trigger a imaginable ban, though he cited Hong Kong's Societies Ordinance that states a gaggle could be outlawed "in the interests of national security or public safety, public order or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others".
"National security" is particularly outlined as "the safeguarding of the territorial integrity and the independence of the People's Republic of China".
The Hong Kong National Party is considered one of a handful groups that brazenly suggest Hong Kong independence.
Founded in 2016, it drew a minimum of 2,500 people to what was dubbed Hong Kong's first pro-independence rally two years in the past.
Chan advised Reuters he would want to consult lawyers on his next step. He pledged to continue pushing for independence.
"I will never stop in my pursuit of freedom, human rights, equality and dignity," Chan, 27, who was previously banned from working for a seat within the town's Legislative Council, advised Reuters.
Most people within the town of seven.three million don't make stronger independence. Beijing has repeatedly slammed the movement, afraid of the speculation taking hold at the mainland.
President Xi Jinping warned throughout a visit to the town ultimate year that any attempt to endanger China's sovereignty can be an act that crosses a "red line". (Reporting by way of Venus Wu; Editing by way of James Pomfret and Nick Macfie)
The move towards the Hong Kong National Party comes at a time government have ratcheted up drive on younger democracy activists, some of whom have been jailed, and denounced any pro-independence motion as an illegal challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing.
The Security Bureau wrote a letter to the founding father of the birthday celebration, Andy Chan, telling him he had 21 days to "make representations in writing" as to why it will have to no longer be banned, consistent with the birthday celebration's social media web page, which posted photos of the letter.
Secretary for Security John Lee mentioned he had no longer banned the group and that he may handiest do so after giving it time to submit its reaction.
"Yes, in Hong Kong we have freedom of association, but that right is not without restriction," Lee advised newshounds.
Hong Kong is governed beneath a "one country, two systems" concept which guarantees it a prime level of autonomy and freedoms no longer loved in China, reminiscent of the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly.
But China's perceived tightening grip over the financial hub has stoked tensions together with the "Occupy Central" movement in 2014 that blocked major roads for nearly 3 months in a failed bid to drive Beijing to permit full democracy.
Lee would not give details about what the group had performed to trigger a imaginable ban, though he cited Hong Kong's Societies Ordinance that states a gaggle could be outlawed "in the interests of national security or public safety, public order or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others".
"National security" is particularly outlined as "the safeguarding of the territorial integrity and the independence of the People's Republic of China".
The Hong Kong National Party is considered one of a handful groups that brazenly suggest Hong Kong independence.
Founded in 2016, it drew a minimum of 2,500 people to what was dubbed Hong Kong's first pro-independence rally two years in the past.
Chan advised Reuters he would want to consult lawyers on his next step. He pledged to continue pushing for independence.
"I will never stop in my pursuit of freedom, human rights, equality and dignity," Chan, 27, who was previously banned from working for a seat within the town's Legislative Council, advised Reuters.
Most people within the town of seven.three million don't make stronger independence. Beijing has repeatedly slammed the movement, afraid of the speculation taking hold at the mainland.
President Xi Jinping warned throughout a visit to the town ultimate year that any attempt to endanger China's sovereignty can be an act that crosses a "red line". (Reporting by way of Venus Wu; Editing by way of James Pomfret and Nick Macfie)
In a first, Chinese-ruled Hong Kong moves to ban separatist group
![In a first, Chinese-ruled Hong Kong moves to ban separatist group]()
Reviewed by Kailash
on
July 17, 2018
Rating:
