At least three pro-democracy activists were arrested on Sunday (Dec 10) before the voting began in a “patriots only” district election in Hong Kong.&nbsp;The polling took place&nbsp;in a race that has shut out all opposition candidates after a China-imposed national security crackdown.&nbsp;

The pro-China government in Hong Kong which had sought to increase the turnout failed after the polls&nbsp;witnessed&nbsp;a record-low voter turnout of 27.5 per cent.&nbsp;

Ahead of the elections, Reuters had reported that many people are avoiding the polls, in contrast to the last election in 2019, which took place during the massive pro-democracy protests.&nbsp;

In 2019, the elections drew a record 71 per cent turnout and led to a landslide victory for the democratic camp. However, since China’s widespread crackdown on political opposition in Hong Kong aided by its national security law imposed in 2020 the city authorities overhauled the councils’ composition, earlier this year.

<h2>Three people pro-democracy activists arrested</h2>

Three members of the “League of Social Democrats” in the city’s Central business district were arrested,&nbsp;reported Reuters citing the group. This comes after the group had planned to protest against the “birdcage election” which they said lacked any democratic scope.

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According to the League of Social Democrats, the vetting requirements by authorities in Hong Kong have effectively barred all democrats from running. “Hong Kong people’s right to vote and to be elected seems to be absent,” said the group, in a statement.&nbsp;

The police, in a statement, said that it arrested three people on suspicion of “attempting to incite others to carry out acts that disrupt district council election.” All three were detained for investigation. &nbsp;

Regulations introduced, earlier this year, lashed the directly elected district council seats by nearly 80 per cent from four years ago, reported Reuters. At least three pro-democracy groups, including moderates, and even some pro-Beijing figures failed to secure enough nominations.

This comes as all candidates are also required to undergo national security background checks and secure nominations from three pro-government committees, which effectively shut out all pro-democracy parties. &nbsp;

Separately two more people were arrested, reported AFP after Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption said it detained a couple for allegedly “leaving a comment” on a social media post which incited people to cast invalid ballots. &nbsp;

<h2>‘Sabotage governance’</h2>

While officials have tried to drum up enthusiasm for the election, putting up posters and urging Hong Kongers to participate, polling booths, as of Sunday morning, as per AFP, only had a few voters.&nbsp;

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“It must be the patriots ruling Hong Kong – this is our principle,” a civil engineer surnamed Lee, a lone early voter, told the news agency, adding “the election wouldn’t be affected just because some (candidates) can’t be part of it.”

However, others have expressed apathy over the election. “The broad political spectrum of voices that we saw four years has all gone,” Tang, a 27-year-old told Reuters, saying she would boycott the vote, asking to be identified only by her family name.&nbsp;

Notably, the previous lowest turnout was 35.8 per cent in 1999.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/harsh-justice-for-hong-kong-pro-democracy-protestors-report-reveals-extraordinarily-high-detention-of-youth-653902">Harsh justice for Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters; report reveals 'extraordinarily high' detention of youth</a>

John Lee, the city’s leader, said that this election was “the last piece of the puzzle to implement the principle of patriots ruling Hong Kong,” referring to the China-imposed national security law that has led to the arrests of anyone holding public office who is deemed politically disloyal after the 2019 protests.

“From now on, the district councils would no longer be what they were in the past – which was a platform to destruct and reject the government’s administration, to promote Hong Kong independence and to endanger national security,” said Lee while casting his ballot, claiming that the previous poll in 2019 had been used to sabotage governance and endanger national security.

More than 12,000 police officers were deployed across Hong Kong to maintain order.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three pro-democracy activists were arrested on Sunday (Dec 10) before the voting began in a “patriots only” district election in Hong Kong. The polling took place in a race that has shut out all opposition candidates after a China-imposed national security crackdown.

At least three pro-democracy activists were arrested on Sunday (Dec 10) before the voting began in a “patriots only” district election in Hong Kong. The polling took place in a race that has shut out all opposition candidates after a China-imposed national security crackdown. The pro-China government in Hong Kong which had sought to increase the turnout failed after the polls witnessed a record-low voter turnout of 27.5 per cent. Ahead of the elections, Reuters had reported that many people are avoiding the polls, in contrast to the last election in 2019, which took place during the massive pro-democracy protests. In 2019, the elections drew a record 71 per cent turnout and led to a landslide victory for the democratic camp. However, since China’s widespread crackdown on political opposition in Hong Kong aided by its national security law imposed in 2020 the city authorities overhauled the councils’ composition, earlier this year. Three people pro-democracy activists arrested Three members of the “League of Social Democrats” in the city’s Central business district were arrested, reported Reuters citing the group. This comes after the group had planned to protest against the “birdcage election” which they said lacked any democratic scope. ALSO READ | Jailed Hong Kong activist Agnes Chow jumps bail to move to Canada, breaks silence According to the League of Social Democrats, the vetting requirements by authorities in Hong Kong have effectively barred all democrats from running. “Hong Kong people’s right to vote and to be elected seems to be absent,” said the group, in a statement. The police, in a statement, said that it arrested three people on suspicion of “attempting to incite others to carry out acts that disrupt district council election.” All three were detained for investigation. Regulations introduced, earlier this year, lashed the directly elected district council seats by nearly 80 per cent from four years ago, reported Reuters. At least three pro-democracy groups, including moderates, and even some pro-Beijing figures failed to secure enough nominations. This comes as all candidates are also required to undergo national security background checks and secure nominations from three pro-government committees, which effectively shut out all pro-democracy parties. Separately two more people were arrested, reported AFP after Hong Kong’s Independent Commission Against Corruption said it detained a couple for allegedly “leaving a comment” on a social media post which incited people to cast invalid ballots. ‘Sabotage governance’ While officials have tried to drum up enthusiasm for the election, putting up posters and urging Hong Kongers to participate, polling booths, as of Sunday morning, as per AFP, only had a few voters. ALSO READ | Chinese repression forces Hong Kong’s last pro-democracy parties to disband itself “It must be the patriots ruling Hong Kong – this is our principle,” a civil engineer surnamed Lee, a lone early voter, told the news agency, adding “the election wouldn’t be affected just because some (candidates) can’t be part of it.” However, others have expressed apathy over the election. “The broad political spectrum of voices that we saw four years has all gone,” Tang, a 27-year-old told Reuters, saying she would boycott the vote, asking to be identified only by her family name. Notably, the previous lowest turnout was 35.8 per cent in 1999. ALSO READ | Harsh justice for Hong Kong pro-democracy protesters; report reveals 'extraordinarily high' detention of youth John Lee, the city’s leader, said that this election was “the last piece of the puzzle to implement the principle of patriots ruling Hong Kong,” referring to the China-imposed national security law that has led to the arrests of anyone holding public office who is deemed politically disloyal after the 2019 protests. “From now on, the district councils would no longer be what they were in the past – which was a platform to destruct and reject the government’s administration, to promote Hong Kong independence and to endanger national security,” said Lee while casting his ballot, claiming that the previous poll in 2019 had been used to sabotage governance and endanger national security. More than 12,000 police officers were deployed across Hong Kong to maintain order. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-democracy activists arrested, record low turnout at Hong Kong's first ‘patriots only’ elections

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, who was accused by the officials along with seven others of endangering national security, on Wednesday said that her parents were "questioned, harassed and intimidated" by authorities.

Last month, Hong Kong police had offered reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for information that would lead to the detention of eight notable democracy activists, who are now living abroad, accusing them of crimes like subversion and foreign collusion.

As per news agency AFP reports, police on Tuesday confirmed that its national security department "took away a man and a woman for investigation" related to national security crimes, without naming them.

Kwok, who is the executive director of the non-profit Hong Kong Democracy Council, released a statement on Wednesday apologising to her parents for getting them involved.

"Yesterday my parents were questioned, harassed and intimidated. Even though I feel apologetic, I must say this is a price I expected to pay," said Kwok, who is based in the United States.

Over the past few weeks, family members of at least four other wanted activists, former lawmaker Nathan Law, unionist Mung Siu-tat, lawyer Dennis Kwok, and activist Elmer Yuen, have been taken for police interrogation.

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Kwok said she would continue to revolt and called on Hong Kong residents to counter the fears arising from the political environment.

"I choose to overcome my fear and continue to seize the initiative for my life," she said.

As per local media reports, on Tuesday, Kwok's parents were permitted to exit the police station after interrogation and were not arrested.

<h2>Bounties by police ignite outcry in countries</h2>

The rewards issued by Hong Kong police have prompted an uproar from the United States, Britain and Australia, where all eight activists are living.

In an interview with news agency AFP last month, Kwok said that she had raised concerns to the Biden administration to prevent Hong Kong leader John Lee from attending the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco.

The bounties were meant to "intimidate" the activists and to prompt pro-Beijing segments of the population to "bring us inconveniences or even physical threats", she said.

Police have arrested 260 people under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, with 79 of them convicted or awaiting sentencing in Hong Kong.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, who was accused by the officials along with seven others of endangering national security, on Wednesday said that her parents were "questioned, harassed and intimidated" by authorities.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Anna Kwok, who was accused by the officials along with seven others of endangering national security, on Wednesday said that her parents were "questioned, harassed and intimidated" by authorities. Last month, Hong Kong police had offered reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for information that would lead to the detention of eight notable democracy activists, who are now living abroad, accusing them of crimes like subversion and foreign collusion. As per news agency AFP reports, police on Tuesday confirmed that its national security department "took away a man and a woman for investigation" related to national security crimes, without naming them. Kwok, who is the executive director of the non-profit Hong Kong Democracy Council, released a statement on Wednesday apologising to her parents for getting them involved. "Yesterday my parents were questioned, harassed and intimidated. Even though I feel apologetic, I must say this is a price I expected to pay," said Kwok, who is based in the United States. Over the past few weeks, family members of at least four other wanted activists, former lawmaker Nathan Law, unionist Mung Siu-tat, lawyer Dennis Kwok, and activist Elmer Yuen, have been taken for police interrogation. Also read: France: At least nine dead in fire at holiday home for disabled people Kwok said she would continue to revolt and called on Hong Kong residents to counter the fears arising from the political environment. "I choose to overcome my fear and continue to seize the initiative for my life," she said. As per local media reports, on Tuesday, Kwok's parents were permitted to exit the police station after interrogation and were not arrested. Bounties by police ignite outcry in countries The rewards issued by Hong Kong police have prompted an uproar from the United States, Britain and Australia, where all eight activists are living. In an interview with news agency AFP last month, Kwok said that she had raised concerns to the Biden administration to prevent Hong Kong leader John Lee from attending the upcoming APEC summit in San Francisco. The bounties were meant to "intimidate" the activists and to prompt pro-Beijing segments of the population to "bring us inconveniences or even physical threats", she said. Police have arrested 260 people under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, with 79 of them convicted or awaiting sentencing in Hong Kong. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Wanted Hong Kong activist Anna Kwok says parents 'questioned, harassed and intimidated'

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown.

The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China reached the decision at an emergency meeting on Saturday, reported NHK World.

The group organises a candlelight vigil as a symbol of Hong Kong's enduring freedoms.

The alliance was established in 1989 just before the Tiananmen Square incident with the goal of showing solidarity with student protesters.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people died when the People's Liberation Army was deployed to crackdown on protesters in Beijing, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre sent shockwaves around the world.

Masses of Hong Kong political figures signed petitions or published statements of condemnation.Over the years, however, many have risen in politics as pro-Beijing figures or taken government positions, growing more tight-lipped about China's political scar.

The Communist Party has still yet to account for the incident and it suppresses all mention of it in the mainland.

The group was banned from holding its annual June 4 vigil last year and this year. Alliance leaders, including Lee Cheuk-yan, have been jailed for organising rallies without permission.

On September 9, police charged the group and three of its senior members, including Lee, with inciting subversion in violation of the national security law for Hong Kong, reported NHK World.

A total of 16 democrats and activists have so far been sentenced to jail or given suspended sentences for taking part in the unauthorised candlelight vigil in 2020, the first time it was banned under COVID-19 social gathering restrictions.

Representing the alliance, Richard Tsoi told reporters that he believes the group's basic belief has taken root in the hearts of the Hong Kong people.

The alliance had been a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for more than 30 years. It is the latest of pro-democracy unions and other organizations to decide to fold, reported NHK World.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown.

A Hong Kong pro-democracy group that used to organise the annual June 4 vigils for victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident has decided to disband amid intensifying government crackdown. The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China reached the decision at an emergency meeting on Saturday, reported NHK World. The group organises a candlelight vigil as a symbol of Hong Kong's enduring freedoms. The alliance was established in 1989 just before the Tiananmen Square incident with the goal of showing solidarity with student protesters. Hundreds, perhaps thousands, of people died when the People's Liberation Army was deployed to crackdown on protesters in Beijing, and the 1989 Tiananmen massacre sent shockwaves around the world. Masses of Hong Kong political figures signed petitions or published statements of condemnation.Over the years, however, many have risen in politics as pro-Beijing figures or taken government positions, growing more tight-lipped about China's political scar. The Communist Party has still yet to account for the incident and it suppresses all mention of it in the mainland. The group was banned from holding its annual June 4 vigil last year and this year. Alliance leaders, including Lee Cheuk-yan, have been jailed for organising rallies without permission. On September 9, police charged the group and three of its senior members, including Lee, with inciting subversion in violation of the national security law for Hong Kong, reported NHK World. A total of 16 democrats and activists have so far been sentenced to jail or given suspended sentences for taking part in the unauthorised candlelight vigil in 2020, the first time it was banned under COVID-19 social gathering restrictions. Representing the alliance, Richard Tsoi told reporters that he believes the group's basic belief has taken root in the hearts of the Hong Kong people. The alliance had been a symbol of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement for more than 30 years. It is the latest of pro-democracy unions and other organizations to decide to fold, reported NHK World.

Hong Kong pro-democracy organisers of June 4 vigil to disband amid government crackdown

Hong Kong media tycoon&nbsp;Jimmy&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;and nine other pro-democracy activists are expected to be sentenced on Friday after they were found guilty of participating in unauthorised assemblies during anti-government protests in 2019.

It would be the first time that&nbsp;Lai, one of Hong Kong's most prominent democratic activists, who has been in jail since December after being denied bail in a separate national security trial, will receive a sentence.

About 100 people queued outside the court early on Friday to get a seat for the hearing.

"It was already very difficult to fight for democracy and freedom in the past. With the national security law, it’s even harder," 19-year-old student Yan said while waiting.

"We need to believe in our faith and wait for the time to come again,” said the student, who declined to give his full name due to the sensitivity of the subject.

Lai&nbsp;was found guilty in two separate trials earlier in April for illegal assemblies on August&nbsp;18 and August&nbsp;31 2019, respectively. The maximum possible punishment is five years in prison.

His repeated arrests have drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups, who raised concerns over waning freedoms in the global financial hub, including freedom of speech and assembly.

In the August&nbsp;18 case, District Court judge Amanda Woodcock found him guilty together with Martin Lee, who helped launch the city's largest opposition Democratic Party in the 1990s and is often called the former British colony's "father of democracy."

As he entered the court on Friday, Lee said: "I feel completely relaxed, I'm ready to face my sentence."

The other defendants, also found guilty, included prominent barrister Margaret Ng and veteran democrats Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho, Leung Kwok-hung, Cyd Ho, Au Nok-hin and Leung Yiu-chung. The latter two had pleaded guilty.

In the second trial, the same judge found&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;and Lee Cheuk-yan guilty together with Yeung Sum. The Aug. 31 clashes were some of Hong Kong's worst, with police firing tear gas and water cannons at pro-democracy protesters who threw petrol bombs.

All three had pleaded guilty.

Lee Cheuk-yan posted on Facebook late on Thursday that he expected to go to jail but that his mind was "free as the ocean and the sky."

The 2019 pro-democracy protests were spurred by Beijing's tightening squeeze on wide-ranging freedoms promised to Hong Kong upon its return to Chinese rule in 1997, and plunged the semi-autonomous city into its biggest crisis since the handover.

Beijing has since consolidated its authoritarian grip on Hong Kong by imposing a sweeping national security law, punishing anything it deems as secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison.

Supporters of the law say it has restored stability.

Lai, founder of the Apple Daily tabloid, has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting officials such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for Hong Kong democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor".

Lai&nbsp;is scheduled for two more court mentions on Friday, in the ongoing trial where he is charged with collusion with a foreign country and a fraud case related to the lease of the building which houses Apple Daily.

Earlier this week, the tabloid published a hand-written letter&nbsp;Lai&nbsp;sent to his colleagues from prison, saying: "It is our responsibility as journalists to seek justice. As long as we are not blinded by unjust temptations, as long as we do not let evil get its way through us, we are fulfilling our responsibility."

It is "time for us to stand tall," he wrote.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai and nine other pro-democracy activists are expected to be sentenced on Friday after they were found guilty of participating in unauthorised assemblies during anti-government protests in 2019.

Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai and nine other pro-democracy activists are expected to be sentenced on Friday after they were found guilty of participating in unauthorised assemblies during anti-government protests in 2019. It would be the first time that Lai, one of Hong Kong's most prominent democratic activists, who has been in jail since December after being denied bail in a separate national security trial, will receive a sentence. About 100 people queued outside the court early on Friday to get a seat for the hearing. "It was already very difficult to fight for democracy and freedom in the past. With the national security law, it’s even harder," 19-year-old student Yan said while waiting. "We need to believe in our faith and wait for the time to come again,” said the student, who declined to give his full name due to the sensitivity of the subject. Lai was found guilty in two separate trials earlier in April for illegal assemblies on August 18 and August 31 2019, respectively. The maximum possible punishment is five years in prison. His repeated arrests have drawn criticism from Western governments and international rights groups, who raised concerns over waning freedoms in the global financial hub, including freedom of speech and assembly. In the August 18 case, District Court judge Amanda Woodcock found him guilty together with Martin Lee, who helped launch the city's largest opposition Democratic Party in the 1990s and is often called the former British colony's "father of democracy." As he entered the court on Friday, Lee said: "I feel completely relaxed, I'm ready to face my sentence." The other defendants, also found guilty, included prominent barrister Margaret Ng and veteran democrats Lee Cheuk-yan, Albert Ho, Leung Kwok-hung, Cyd Ho, Au Nok-hin and Leung Yiu-chung. The latter two had pleaded guilty. In the second trial, the same judge found Lai and Lee Cheuk-yan guilty together with Yeung Sum. The Aug. 31 clashes were some of Hong Kong's worst, with police firing tear gas and water cannons at pro-democracy protesters who threw petrol bombs. All three had pleaded guilty. Lee Cheuk-yan posted on Facebook late on Thursday that he expected to go to jail but that his mind was "free as the ocean and the sky." The 2019 pro-democracy protests were spurred by Beijing's tightening squeeze on wide-ranging freedoms promised to Hong Kong upon its return to Chinese rule in 1997, and plunged the semi-autonomous city into its biggest crisis since the handover. Beijing has since consolidated its authoritarian grip on Hong Kong by imposing a sweeping national security law, punishing anything it deems as secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison. Supporters of the law say it has restored stability. Lai, founder of the Apple Daily tabloid, has been a frequent visitor to Washington, meeting officials such as former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, to rally support for Hong Kong democracy, prompting Beijing to label him a "traitor". Lai is scheduled for two more court mentions on Friday, in the ongoing trial where he is charged with collusion with a foreign country and a fraud case related to the lease of the building which houses Apple Daily. Earlier this week, the tabloid published a hand-written letter Lai sent to his colleagues from prison, saying: "It is our responsibility as journalists to seek justice. As long as we are not blinded by unjust temptations, as long as we do not let evil get its way through us, we are fulfilling our responsibility." It is "time for us to stand tall," he wrote.

Hong Kong tycoon Jimmy Lai, others to be sentenced for illegal assembly

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.&nbsp;

"After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter.

China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The&nbsp;law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinas-top-lawmaking-body-passes-hong-kong-national-security-law-309529" hreflang="en">China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law</a>

The country&nbsp;had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activists-joshua-wong-nathan-law-quit-democracy-group-demosisto-309544" hreflang="en">Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto</a>

Earlier,&nbsp;Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook.

Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony.

Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law.

Demosisto, the Hong Kong pro-democracy party founded by former student activists, announced it was disbanding on Tuesday after Beijing passed the national security law. "After much internal deliberation, we have decided to disband and cease all operation as a group given the circumstances," Demosisto said on Twitter. China had bypassed Hong Kong’s legislature to pass the law six weeks after announcing it. The law is set to criminalise secession, subversion, terrorism and foreign interference in Hong Kong. Also read: China's top lawmaking body passes Hong Kong national security law The country had agreed before Britain handed Hong Kong in 1997 that it would let Hong Kong maintain certain liberties and autonomy until 2047, but critics say the national security law overlooks those liberties for Hong Kong citizens. Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam had said that "it is not appropriate for me to comment on any questions related to the national security law." Also read: Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong and Nathan Law quit democracy group Demosisto Earlier, Hong Kong activists Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow announced their withdrawal from the group on Facebook. Wong has said he will be a “prime target” of Beijing’s national security law, which critics fear will crush freedoms in the former British colony. Demosisto was founded in 2016 as a political platform and sought to field candidates for legislative elections. However, its candidates were repeatedly barred from standing for election with authorities citing their stance on “self-determination” for the city.

Hong Kong pro-democracy party Demosisto disbands over security law fears

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending.

"We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference.

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Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China."

The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs.

Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center.

He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday.

On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US&nbsp;journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Wednesday that recent treatment of Hong Kong pro-democracy activists made it more difficult to assess that the territory remains highly autonomous from China, a requirement for the special treatment it enjoys under american law. Pompeo said a Congressionally mandated state department assessment as to whether the former British colony has such a degree of autonomy was still pending. "We are closely watching what's going on there," he told a news conference. Also read: Wuhan officially bans eating and hunting of wild animals Pompeo said pro-democracy lawmakers had been "manhandled" this week while trying to stop what he characterized as procedural irregularity by pro-Beijing legislators, and added: "leading Hong Kong activists like Martin Lee and Jimmy Lai were hauled into court. actions like these make it more difficult to assess that Hong Kong remains highly autonomous from mainland China." The Chinese foreign ministry's office of the commissioner to Hong Kong said in a statement on Thursday that Pompeo was "blackmailing" the Hong kong Government and blatantly interfering in Beijing's internal affairs. Pompeo announced on May 6 he was delaying the report assessing whether Hong Kong was sufficiently autonomous to warrant the special economic treatment that has helped it remain a world financial center. He said this was to account for any actions Beijing might contemplate ahead of China's National People's Congress this Friday. On Sunday, Pompeo said he believed China had threatened to interfere with the work of US journalists in Hong Kong, and warned Beijing that any decision impinging on hong kong's autonomy could affect the american assessment.

Hong Kong's treatment of activists making autonomy assessment more difficult, says Pompeo

Hong Kong pro-democracy activists and riot police clashed in chaotic scenes around the city on October 13 with protesters setting ATM machines ablaze and vandalising stores believed to have links to China. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong: Protesters set ATMs on blaze

Beijing has warned newly elected Hong Kong politicians not to back independence after pro-democracy activists gained ground in the Hong Kong Legislative Council election held on Sunday (September 4).&nbsp; 
 
Since 2014, it was the first time several pro-independence candidates emerged victorious in Sunday&#39;s election. 
 
Official results show that pro-democracy candidates won 30 of the 70 seats in Hong Kong&#39;s 70-seat Legislative Council (Legco).&nbsp; 
 
Only 40 out of 70 total seats are directly elected by the public, while special-interest groups representing a range of mostly pro-China businesses and social sectors select the other 30 legislators. 
 
58 per cent of registered voters turned up on Sunday, up from 53 per cent in 2012, the highest turnout since Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. 
 
Some student protest leaders were among those winning seats in the landmark vote. Five candidates advocating independence for Hong Kong are to sit in the 70-seat assembly. 
 
The city-wide vote saw candidates fighting for seats in the Legco as concerns grew that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp; 
 
China said that it would not tolerate any talk of independence &quot;inside or outside&quot; the legislature, in a statement late Monday. 
 
&quot;We firmly oppose any activity relating to Hong Kong independence in any form, inside or outside the Legislative Council, and firmly support the Hong Kong government to impose punishment in accordance with the law,&quot; state news agency Xinhua cited a spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council as saying. 
 
Hong Kong was handed back to China under &ldquo;one country, two systems&rdquo; deal in 1997 that protected the city&rsquo;s freedom for 50 years. 
 
As concerns grow that China is tightening its grip on Hong Kong, independence movements are on the rise, especially among young activists. 
 
Lawmakers will take up their seats on October 1 and will have to swear an oath to uphold the Basic Law, Hong Kong&#39;s mini-constitution, which describes the city as part of China. 
 
It is not yet clear what may happen if they then advocate independence as a possibility for Hong Kong in the legislature. 
 
(WION with inputs from AFP)

Pro-democracy candidates won 30 of the 70 seats in Hong Kong's 70-seat Legislative Council in Sunday's election

Beijing has warned newly elected Hong Kong politicians not to back independence after pro-democracy activists gained ground in the Hong Kong Legislative Council election held on Sunday (September 4). Since 2014, it was the first time several pro-independence candidates emerged victorious in Sunday's election. Official results show that pro-democracy candidates won 30 of the 70 seats in Hong Kong's 70-seat Legislative Council (Legco). Only 40 out of 70 total seats are directly elected by the public, while special-interest groups representing a range of mostly pro-China businesses and social sectors select the other 30 legislators. 58 per cent of registered voters turned up on Sunday, up from 53 per cent in 2012, the highest turnout since Hong Kong was handed back to China by Britain in 1997. Some student protest leaders were among those winning seats in the landmark vote. Five candidates advocating independence for Hong Kong are to sit in the 70-seat assembly. The city-wide vote saw candidates fighting for seats in the Legco as concerns grew that China is tightening its grip on the semi-autonomous city. China said that it would not tolerate any talk of independence "inside or outside" the legislature, in a statement late Monday. "We firmly oppose any activity relating to Hong Kong independence in any form, inside or outside the Legislative Council, and firmly support the Hong Kong government to impose punishment in accordance with the law," state news agency Xinhua cited a spokesperson of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office of the State Council as saying. Hong Kong was handed back to China under “one country, two systems” deal in 1997 that protected the city’s freedom for 50 years. As concerns grow that China is tightening its grip on Hong Kong, independence movements are on the rise, especially among young activists. Lawmakers will take up their seats on October 1 and will have to swear an oath to uphold the Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, which describes the city as part of China. It is not yet clear what may happen if they then advocate independence as a possibility for Hong Kong in the legislature. (WION with inputs from AFP)

China warns new Hong Kong lawmakers not to back independence