''Democracy such as India must support Hong Kong,'' says Hong Kong activist. Pro-democracy activist says China hurting autonomy. Joshua Wong is 22-year old pre-democracy activist. Watch this video to listen-in what he talks with WION.

'China eroding Hong Kong autonomy,' Hong Kong activist speaks to WION

China on Tuesday rebuked<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-vietnam-worse-than-china-on-trade-230655"> Donald Trump</a> for "gross interference" in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-police-retake-parliament-from-anti-government-protesters-232153">Hong Kong's affairs</a> after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub.

Trump weighed in on the protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-urges-uk-to-stop-interfering-in-hong-kong-affairs-230624">Hong Kong</a> on Monday, saying the demonstrators are "looking for democracy" but that "some governments don't want democracy".

"We deplore and strongly oppose the relevant country's gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing.

China, he added, warns "the relevant country to speak and act cautiously and stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form".

He also said the United States should "not in any form support those engaged in violence and breaking the law".

The semi-autonomous financial hub has been thrown into crisis by weeks of demonstrations over a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, with the issue becoming a lightning rod for resentment towards Beijing.

On Monday, the 22nd anniversary of the city's handover to China -- anger spilt over as groups of mostly young, hardline protesters, breached the legislative council.

Blatant challenge

Beijing called for a criminal probe into what it dubbed a "blatant challenge" to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that has allowed Hong Kong to have its own laws, granting it special rights including freedom of speech.

The US had said that Trump would discuss Hong Kong when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Japan on Saturday, during which the two leaders agreed to a trade-war ceasefire.

Asked whether the two leaders discussed Hong Kong, Geng referred to previous statements about the meeting which did not mention the topic.

"China's position on Hong Kong is consistent and clear and firm and I believe the US knows this very well," he said.

Geng also lashed out at "gross interference" from British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who wrote on Twitter that London's support for "Hong Kong and its freedoms is Unwavering" on the anniversary of the handover.

"We are unswerving in our determination to oppose foreign interference. We demand the UK reflect upon the consequences of its mistaken words and deeds and stop interfering in Hong Kong's and China's internal affairs in any form," he said.

China on Tuesday rebuked Donald Trump for "gross interference" in Hong Kong's affairs after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub.

China on Tuesday rebuked Donald Trump for "gross interference" in Hong Kong's affairs after the US president said protesters who stormed the city's legislature wanted democracy for the financial hub. Trump weighed in on the protests in Hong Kong on Monday, saying the demonstrators are "looking for democracy" but that "some governments don't want democracy". "We deplore and strongly oppose the relevant country's gross interference in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a regular press briefing. China, he added, warns "the relevant country to speak and act cautiously and stop interfering in Hong Kong's internal affairs in any form". He also said the United States should "not in any form support those engaged in violence and breaking the law". The semi-autonomous financial hub has been thrown into crisis by weeks of demonstrations over a bill that would allow extraditions to the Chinese mainland, with the issue becoming a lightning rod for resentment towards Beijing. On Monday, the 22nd anniversary of the city's handover to China -- anger spilt over as groups of mostly young, hardline protesters, breached the legislative council. Blatant challenge Beijing called for a criminal probe into what it dubbed a "blatant challenge" to the "one country, two systems" arrangement that has allowed Hong Kong to have its own laws, granting it special rights including freedom of speech. The US had said that Trump would discuss Hong Kong when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 in Japan on Saturday, during which the two leaders agreed to a trade-war ceasefire. Asked whether the two leaders discussed Hong Kong, Geng referred to previous statements about the meeting which did not mention the topic. "China's position on Hong Kong is consistent and clear and firm and I believe the US knows this very well," he said. Geng also lashed out at "gross interference" from British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, who wrote on Twitter that London's support for "Hong Kong and its freedoms is Unwavering" on the anniversary of the handover. "We are unswerving in our determination to oppose foreign interference. We demand the UK reflect upon the consequences of its mistaken words and deeds and stop interfering in Hong Kong's and China's internal affairs in any form," he said.

China slams Donald Trump's 'gross interference' in Hong Kong

Hong Kong student leaders, led by Joshua Wong, have said that Carrie Lam's apology for the controversial extradition bill is not enough. Watch this video to know more.

Hong Kong student leaders: Apology not enough

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-freed-from-jail-calls-on-pro-china-leader-carrie-lam-to-resign-227815">Joshua Wong</a> was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/umbrella-movement-student-leader-joshua-wong-in-hong-kong-to-be-released-227736"> "Umbrella Movement" protests</a>, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen.&nbsp;

Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders.

He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines.&nbsp;

He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017.

Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland.

At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days.

In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much.

But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'The city I love'&nbsp;

In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014.

He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment.

Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing.

His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing.

Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on.

In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love."

He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term.

Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors.

He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down."

"After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Joshua Wong was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections. Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass "Umbrella Movement" protests, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen. Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders. He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines. He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017. Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland. At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days. In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much. But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders. 'The city I love' In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014. He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests. He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment. Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing. His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing. Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on. In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love." He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term. Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors. He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests. "She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down." "After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Joshua Wong: Poster child of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement'

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-activist-joshua-wong-freed-from-jail-calls-on-pro-china-leader-carrie-lam-to-resign-227815">Joshua Wong</a> was the unlikely hero who helped lead a movement that inspired hundreds of thousands of Hong Kongers to take over the city's streets for two months in 2014 calling for fully free elections.

Scrawny, with gaunt features and a studious frown, the then 17-year-old spearheaded the mass <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/umbrella-movement-student-leader-joshua-wong-in-hong-kong-to-be-released-227736">"Umbrella Movement" protests</a>, which were a reaction to restrictions from Beijing on how Hong Kong's next leader would be chosen.&nbsp;

Alongside fellow student leaders Nathan Law and Alex Chow, Wong's speeches and calls for civil disobedience electrified the crowds but the movement failed to win any concessions from China or Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leaders.

He captured the attention of the world in his casting as David against the Goliath of the Chinese Communist Party and was hailed as one of the world's most influential figures by Time, Fortune and Foreign Policy magazines.&nbsp;

He even became the subject of Netflix documentary "Teenager vs Superpower", released in 2017.

Born to middle-class Christian parents Grace and Roger Wong, he began his life of activism aged just 13 with a protest against plans for a high-speed rail link between Hong Kong and the mainland.

At the age of just 15, Wong campaigned successfully for Hong Kong to drop a pro-China "National Education" program, rallying a crowd of 120,000 to blockade the city's parliament for 10 days.

In many ways, he pioneered a protest method that has since been embraced by Hong Kong's protest movement -- seizing streets in non-violent civil disobedience -- after years of peaceful rallies failed to achieve much.

But he has paid for his activism. Prosecutors came after him and many of the Umbrella Movement's leaders.&nbsp;

&nbsp;'The city I love'&nbsp;

In mid-May, he was sentenced to two months on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp in 2014.

He was also convicted in a second prosecution related to the storming of a government forecourt during the 2014 protests.&nbsp;

He spent some time behind bars for that case, but in the end, the city's top court ruled that community service was sufficient punishment.

Alongside Nathan Law and Alex Chow, he went on to found the political party Demosisto which campaigns for more self-determination for Hong Kong but not independence, a clear red line to Beijing.

His demands have been both consistent and fairly simple: that Hong Kongers should get to decide their city's fate, not communist party officials in Beijing.

Since the end of the Umbrella Movement, he has been denied entry into Malaysia and Thailand, attacked in the street, and abused by pro-China protesters in Taiwan. But he has said he will fight on.

In an article written for Time Magazine from prison last week -- as historic protests gripped the city once more over a deeply divisive extradition law -- he wrote: "My lack of freedom today is a price I knew I would have to pay for the city I love."

He stepped back into the fray on Monday when authorities released him just one month into his prison term.

Authorities did not confirm whether the decision was procedural or a gesture to protestors.

He immediately called for Hong Kong's pro-Beijing leader Carrie Lam to step down over her role pushing for the controversial extradition bill and vowed to join the protests.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader," Wong told reporters. "She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down."

"After leaving jail today I will also fight with all Hong Kongers to oppose the evil China extradition law," he added.

Poster Child of Hong Kong's 'Umbrella Movement' vows to join mass protest

Hong Kong&nbsp;activist Joshua Wong called on the city's pro-China leader <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-executive-carrie-lam-apologises-for-conflicts-and-disputes-in-hong-kong-227674">Carrie Lam</a> to resign after he was released from prison Monday, a day after one of the largest street protests in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clog-streets-in-hong-kong-demand-carrie-lams-resignation-227593">Hong Kong’s history</a> forced an apology from the city’s top official over a divisive extradition bill.

"She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader. She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down," Wong told reporters.

Joshua Wong Chi-fung is a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist. He was one of the leaders of the 2014 Occupy Movement. In August 2017, he was jailed for six months for&nbsp;storming the government ­headquarters compound at ­Tamar, Admiralty, which sparked the 79-day protest.

Hong Kong protesters: Chief Executive Lam must go 
&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-protesters-chief-executive-lam-must-go-227604/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Wong was released from prison one month early, as the government reels from one of the largest mass protests since the former British colony’s return two decades ago.

"I will join to fight against this evil law," said Wong, 22, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy protests that blocked major roads in the Chinese-ruled city for 79 days.

"I believe this is the time for her, Carrie Lam the liar, to step down."

Before he was jailed, both Wong and his supporters had called for the Hong Kong government to scrap the extradition proposal.

Wong was just 17 when he stood at the forefront of the broad civil disobedience movement that presented China's Communist Party rulers in Beijing with one of their biggest political challenges in decades.

The protests against the extradition bill have become the most significant challenge to China's relationship with the territory since it was handed back by Britain 22 years ago.

While Lam delayed the bill at the weekend, it has yet to be completely shelved, despite widespread concern that the status of Hong Kong as a financial hub could be eroded by changes to the rule of law.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong called on the city's pro-China leader Carrie Lam to resign after he was released from prison Monday, a day after one of the largest street protests in Hong Kong’s history forced an apology from the city’s top official over a divisive extradition bill.

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong called on the city's pro-China leader Carrie Lam to resign after he was released from prison Monday, a day after one of the largest street protests in Hong Kong’s history forced an apology from the city’s top official over a divisive extradition bill. "She is no longer qualified to be Hong Kong's leader. She must take the blame and resign, be held accountable and step down," Wong told reporters. Joshua Wong Chi-fung is a Hong Kong pro-democracy activist. He was one of the leaders of the 2014 Occupy Movement. In August 2017, he was jailed for six months for storming the government headquarters compound at Tamar, Admiralty, which sparked the 79-day protest. Hong Kong protesters: Chief Executive Lam must go Wong was released from prison one month early, as the government reels from one of the largest mass protests since the former British colony’s return two decades ago. "I will join to fight against this evil law," said Wong, 22, who was one of the leaders of the 2014 "Umbrella" pro-democracy protests that blocked major roads in the Chinese-ruled city for 79 days. "I believe this is the time for her, Carrie Lam the liar, to step down." Before he was jailed, both Wong and his supporters had called for the Hong Kong government to scrap the extradition proposal. Wong was just 17 when he stood at the forefront of the broad civil disobedience movement that presented China's Communist Party rulers in Beijing with one of their biggest political challenges in decades. The protests against the extradition bill have become the most significant challenge to China's relationship with the territory since it was handed back by Britain 22 years ago. While Lam delayed the bill at the weekend, it has yet to be completely shelved, despite widespread concern that the status of Hong Kong as a financial hub could be eroded by changes to the rule of law. (With inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong freed from jail, calls on pro-China leader Carrie Lam to resign

Joshua Wong: Meet the Hong Kong student who risked the wrath of China, and lived

Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been freed from prison and pledged to join the ongoing mass protest movement demanding the city's Beijing-backed leader, Carrie Lam, steps down over a controversial extradition bill.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong released from jail

Joshua Wong, the student leader who became the face of<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-executive-carrie-lam-apologises-for-conflicts-and-disputes-in-hong-kong-227674"> Hong Kong's "Umbrella Movement"</a> democracy protests nearly five years ago, will be released from prison on Monday, his party said late Sunday.

In a statement, Demosisto -- the party he co-founded -- said the 22-year-old activist would be released from Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institute at 10.30am (0230 GMT).

Wong was sent back to prison in May after he lost an attempt to quash a jail sentence over his leadership of the huge democracy protests he helped lead in 2014.&nbsp;

His release comes as <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-clog-streets-in-hong-kong-demand-carrie-lams-resignation-227593">Hong Kong was&nbsp;rocked </a>by another outbreak of huge protests, this time sparked by mass public opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to China.

Organisers said some two million people turned out on Sunday for the mammoth rally which was still going on as the announcement was made that Wong would be released.

Wong, who was 17 when the 2014 protests began, was jailed for three months in January 2018 on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp.

He served only six days of that sentence before being released on bail, pending an appeal.

In mid-May, however, a senior judge said Wong must return to jail -- albeit for a reduced sentence of two months.

It was not clear whether his early release was a gesture from the authorities or procedure.&nbsp;

A release tomorrow would mean he will have served exactly half his sentence, a common policy in Hong Kong for prisoners who exhibit good behaviour.&nbsp;

Joshua Wong, the student leader who became the face of Hong Kong's "Umbrella Movement" democracy protests nearly five years ago, will be released from prison on Monday, his party said late Sunday.

Joshua Wong, the student leader who became the face of Hong Kong's "Umbrella Movement" democracy protests nearly five years ago, will be released from prison on Monday, his party said late Sunday. In a statement, Demosisto -- the party he co-founded -- said the 22-year-old activist would be released from Lai Chi Kok Correctional Institute at 10.30am (0230 GMT). Wong was sent back to prison in May after he lost an attempt to quash a jail sentence over his leadership of the huge democracy protests he helped lead in 2014. His release comes as Hong Kong was rocked by another outbreak of huge protests, this time sparked by mass public opposition to a plan to allow extraditions to China. Organisers said some two million people turned out on Sunday for the mammoth rally which was still going on as the announcement was made that Wong would be released. Wong, who was 17 when the 2014 protests began, was jailed for three months in January 2018 on a contempt charge after pleading guilty to obstructing the clearance of a major protest camp. He served only six days of that sentence before being released on bail, pending an appeal. In mid-May, however, a senior judge said Wong must return to jail -- albeit for a reduced sentence of two months. It was not clear whether his early release was a gesture from the authorities or procedure. A release tomorrow would mean he will have served exactly half his sentence, a common policy in Hong Kong for prisoners who exhibit good behaviour.

'Umbrella movement' student leader Joshua Wong in Hong Kong to be released

Joshua Wong and two other leading Hong Kong democracy activists won an appeal against their jail terms at the city&#39;s highest court Tuesday in a case seen as a test of the independence of the city&#39;s judiciary, which some fear is under pressure from Beijing.

But the trio warned it was not a time for celebration because the semi-autonomous Chinese city still faced threats to its freedoms.

Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow were jailed in August last year for their role in the mass pro-democracy Umbrella Movement protests of 2014 after Hong Kong&#39;s government pushed for more severe sentences.

A lower court had originally given Wong and Law community service orders and Chow a suspended sentence. But after the government&#39;s intervention they were jailed for between six and eight months by the Court of Appeal.

All three activists were later bailed pending their appeal.

Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma said Tuesday that the terms given to the trio were &quot;significantly more severe&quot; than the range previously given for unlawful assembly offences.

The judgement in the Court of Final Appeal backed the decision of the magistrate who originally handed down non-custodial sentences, saying she had not &quot;erred in principle&quot; by taking into account factors including the defendants&#39; idealism, their youth and the fact that they had not offended before.

The government&#39;s move to seek jail sentences for the activists was seen as further evidence of Beijing&#39;s growing influence over the city, with Chinese authorities particularly riled by the emergence of activists calling for independence for Hong Kong.

Wong and Law&#39;s political party Demosisto wants self-determination for the city.

Mabel Au, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said the court had corrected an injustice.&nbsp;

&quot;The government&#39;s vengeful pursuit of harsher sentences led to the trio being jailed and it is right this has now been overturned,&quot; she said in a statement.

&quot;All politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing those promoting democracy in Hong Kong must be dropped.&quot;

But while Tuesday&#39;s judgement found in favour of the activists, it also endorsed the view of the appeal court that unlawful assembly involving violence must be deterred, saying even the &quot;relatively low&quot; degree of violence in the trio&#39;s case could in future lead to jail terms.

&quot;According to the judgement, maybe more activists will be locked up,&quot; said Wong outside court after the ruling. &quot;It&#39;s not the time for any congratulation or celebration.&quot;

Wong, 21, who became the face of the Umbrella Movement, could soon return to prison for another protest-related offence, for which he is currently on bail pending appeal.

Disappearing freedoms

The unlawful assembly charges for which Wong, Law and Chow were jailed related to their involvement in the storming of a fenced-off government forecourt known as Civic Square in September 2014.

That sparked the wider Umbrella Movement rallies which brought parts of the city to a standstill.

The protests called for fully free leadership elections to replace a system where the city&#39;s chief executive is selected by a pro-Beijing committee, but failed to win any concessions.

Since then there have been growing signs that China is increasing its control over Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has been governed under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal since 1997, when Britain handed the territory back to China.&nbsp;

The deal allows citizens rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and a partially directly elected legislature, as well as an independent judiciary.

But the jailing of democracy activists, the disqualification of opposition lawmakers from the legislature at Beijing&#39;s request and the lack of answers over the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers who resurfaced in the mainland have fuelled concern.

Last month the government banned high-profile democracy activist Agnes Chow from running for the legislature in what activists said was another sign political debate was being shut down.

The trio warned it was not a time for celebration because the semi-autonomous Chinese city still faced threats to its freedoms

Joshua Wong and two other leading Hong Kong democracy activists won an appeal against their jail terms at the city's highest court Tuesday in a case seen as a test of the independence of the city's judiciary, which some fear is under pressure from Beijing. But the trio warned it was not a time for celebration because the semi-autonomous Chinese city still faced threats to its freedoms. Wong, Nathan Law and Alex Chow were jailed in August last year for their role in the mass pro-democracy Umbrella Movement protests of 2014 after Hong Kong's government pushed for more severe sentences. A lower court had originally given Wong and Law community service orders and Chow a suspended sentence. But after the government's intervention they were jailed for between six and eight months by the Court of Appeal. All three activists were later bailed pending their appeal. Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma said Tuesday that the terms given to the trio were "significantly more severe" than the range previously given for unlawful assembly offences. The judgement in the Court of Final Appeal backed the decision of the magistrate who originally handed down non-custodial sentences, saying she had not "erred in principle" by taking into account factors including the defendants' idealism, their youth and the fact that they had not offended before. The government's move to seek jail sentences for the activists was seen as further evidence of Beijing's growing influence over the city, with Chinese authorities particularly riled by the emergence of activists calling for independence for Hong Kong. Wong and Law's political party Demosisto wants self-determination for the city. Mabel Au, director of Amnesty International Hong Kong, said the court had corrected an injustice. "The government's vengeful pursuit of harsher sentences led to the trio being jailed and it is right this has now been overturned," she said in a statement. "All politically motivated prosecutions aimed at silencing those promoting democracy in Hong Kong must be dropped." But while Tuesday's judgement found in favour of the activists, it also endorsed the view of the appeal court that unlawful assembly involving violence must be deterred, saying even the "relatively low" degree of violence in the trio's case could in future lead to jail terms. "According to the judgement, maybe more activists will be locked up," said Wong outside court after the ruling. "It's not the time for any congratulation or celebration." Wong, 21, who became the face of the Umbrella Movement, could soon return to prison for another protest-related offence, for which he is currently on bail pending appeal. Disappearing freedoms The unlawful assembly charges for which Wong, Law and Chow were jailed related to their involvement in the storming of a fenced-off government forecourt known as Civic Square in September 2014. That sparked the wider Umbrella Movement rallies which brought parts of the city to a standstill. The protests called for fully free leadership elections to replace a system where the city's chief executive is selected by a pro-Beijing committee, but failed to win any concessions. Since then there have been growing signs that China is increasing its control over Hong Kong. Hong Kong has been governed under a "one country, two systems" deal since 1997, when Britain handed the territory back to China. The deal allows citizens rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and a partially directly elected legislature, as well as an independent judiciary. But the jailing of democracy activists, the disqualification of opposition lawmakers from the legislature at Beijing's request and the lack of answers over the disappearance of five Hong Kong booksellers who resurfaced in the mainland have fuelled concern. Last month the government banned high-profile democracy activist Agnes Chow from running for the legislature in what activists said was another sign political debate was being shut down.

Hong Kong democracy activists walk free in appeal victory

Angry protesters marched through Hong Kong Monday against what they described as suppression by Beijing, days after Chinese authorities ruled that part of a city rail station would come under mainland law.&nbsp;

Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been ruled under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal since Britain returned it to China in 1997 and enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary.&nbsp;

But a string of recent incidents have fuelled concern over the erosion of its autonomy and rule of law, including the jailing of prominent pro-democracy activists.

Campaigner Joshua Wong, who joined thousands of protesters at the march Monday, said suppression by China&#39;s Communist Party government had worsened in 2017.&nbsp;

Wong, 21, was jailed in August over his role in the Umbrella Movement mass pro-democracy protests of 2014 and is on bail pending an appeal against his six-month sentence.&nbsp;

&quot;In 2018, I hope that every Hong Konger can become an avenger, and win back the core values eroded by Beijing,&quot; Wong told AFP.

Many of the protesters were angry at the so-called &quot;co-location&quot; agreement, which would bring part of a new rail terminus in the heart of Hong Kong under mainland law.&nbsp;

The high-speed link to the sprawling southern mainland cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou is due to open this year, with plans for a joint immigration checkpoint that would see mainland police and other officials based in the Hong Kong terminus.

The station is on Hong Kong&#39;s famous harbourfront in Kowloon, not on the border with the mainland further to the north.

China&#39;s top legislative body approved the project last week.

The final stage before implementation is a vote by Hong Kong&#39;s legislative council, which is weighted towards Beijing.

Pro-democracy lawmakers, campaigners and some in the city&#39;s legal community say the plan is a violation of Hong Kong&#39;s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which says national laws do not apply to Hong Kong except for a few exceptions.&nbsp;

Hong Kong&#39;s pro-Beijing government argues that the rail set-up is for the convenience of passengers and both local and Chinese authorities insist it does not impinge on the city&#39;s autonomy.

&quot;I find it ironic that the legally illiterate are explaining what the rule of law is,&quot; said office worker Patrick Tang, 48, of Beijing&#39;s ruling on the rail link.

Teacher Simon Woo, 47, who joined the march with his wife and daughter said the &quot;survival of Hong Kong is under severe threat&quot;, citing the rail terminus agreement as one of the main reasons he was protesting.&nbsp;

&quot;What the Communist Party does and says is irrational. Their attitude towards us is that of an emperor and an autocracy,&quot; added Jessica Chan, an education worker in her 30s.

&quot;Hong Kongers cannot accept this.&quot;

The march was due to culminate outside the city&#39;s government offices later Monday.

Angry protesters marched through Hong Kong Monday against what they described as suppression by Beijing, days after Chinese authorities ruled that part of a city rail station would come under mainland law

Angry protesters marched through Hong Kong Monday against what they described as suppression by Beijing, days after Chinese authorities ruled that part of a city rail station would come under mainland law. Semi-autonomous Hong Kong has been ruled under a "one country, two systems" deal since Britain returned it to China in 1997 and enjoys rights unseen on the mainland, including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary. But a string of recent incidents have fuelled concern over the erosion of its autonomy and rule of law, including the jailing of prominent pro-democracy activists. Campaigner Joshua Wong, who joined thousands of protesters at the march Monday, said suppression by China's Communist Party government had worsened in 2017. Wong, 21, was jailed in August over his role in the Umbrella Movement mass pro-democracy protests of 2014 and is on bail pending an appeal against his six-month sentence. "In 2018, I hope that every Hong Konger can become an avenger, and win back the core values eroded by Beijing," Wong told AFP. Many of the protesters were angry at the so-called "co-location" agreement, which would bring part of a new rail terminus in the heart of Hong Kong under mainland law. The high-speed link to the sprawling southern mainland cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou is due to open this year, with plans for a joint immigration checkpoint that would see mainland police and other officials based in the Hong Kong terminus. The station is on Hong Kong's famous harbourfront in Kowloon, not on the border with the mainland further to the north. China's top legislative body approved the project last week. The final stage before implementation is a vote by Hong Kong's legislative council, which is weighted towards Beijing. Pro-democracy lawmakers, campaigners and some in the city's legal community say the plan is a violation of Hong Kong's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which says national laws do not apply to Hong Kong except for a few exceptions. Hong Kong's pro-Beijing government argues that the rail set-up is for the convenience of passengers and both local and Chinese authorities insist it does not impinge on the city's autonomy. "I find it ironic that the legally illiterate are explaining what the rule of law is," said office worker Patrick Tang, 48, of Beijing's ruling on the rail link. Teacher Simon Woo, 47, who joined the march with his wife and daughter said the "survival of Hong Kong is under severe threat", citing the rail terminus agreement as one of the main reasons he was protesting. "What the Communist Party does and says is irrational. Their attitude towards us is that of an emperor and an autocracy," added Jessica Chan, an education worker in her 30s. "Hong Kongers cannot accept this." The march was due to culminate outside the city's government offices later Monday.

Anti-Beijing protesters march in Hong Kong

Around 1,000 people marched through Hong Kong Sunday, led by some of the city&#39;s high-profile democracy campaigners including Joshua Wong, in what they billed an &quot;anti-authoritarian&quot; protest.

Activists say Hong Kong is at risk of losing its rights and liberties in the face of growing Chinese pressure on the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

The jailing of campaigners following court hearings, and fears that Hong Kong will introduce an anti-subversion law, are among the key concerns in the pro-democracy camp.

Wong, 21, was jailed in August over his role in the Umbrella Movement mass pro-democracy protests of 2014 and is on bail pending an appeal.

He will be sentenced on another protest-related charge Thursday, which could mean more jail time.&nbsp;

&quot;No one likes to serve a prison sentence, (but) if it can mobilise more people to care about justice and democracy in Hong Kong, I think it&#39;s valuable and I will pay this price,&quot; Wong told AFP.&nbsp;

Protesters carried placards reading: &quot;The Hong Kong spirit can never be imprisoned&quot; and &quot;Walk with the resisters, fight authoritarian rule&quot;.

Some held up caricatures of city leaders.

Others played a recording of China&#39;s national anthem and paraded a doll bearing the sign: &quot;When you hear the national anthem, don&#39;t eat. Stand up immediately.&quot; A new law introduced by Beijing against disrespecting the anthem will also be applied to Hong Kong.&nbsp;

The city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 and is governed by a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; deal which grants it freedoms unseen on the mainland.

But with the emergence of a fledgling pro-independence movement, Beijing is pushing a tougher line on Hong Kong.&nbsp;

There are also concerns about a new express railway to the mainland, which will mean that parts of the train terminus come under Chinese jurisdiction.&nbsp;

Student Kelvin Muk, 20, said he had joined the march because he feared he may eventually lose the right to do so.&nbsp;

&quot;We are increasingly coming out to protest because we want to at least hold on to the last remaining freedoms we have,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

Activists say Hong Kong is at a risk of losing its rights and liberties in the face of growing Chinese pressure on the semi-autonomous city

Around 1,000 people marched through Hong Kong Sunday, led by some of the city's high-profile democracy campaigners including Joshua Wong, in what they billed an "anti-authoritarian" protest. Activists say Hong Kong is at risk of losing its rights and liberties in the face of growing Chinese pressure on the semi-autonomous city. The jailing of campaigners following court hearings, and fears that Hong Kong will introduce an anti-subversion law, are among the key concerns in the pro-democracy camp. Wong, 21, was jailed in August over his role in the Umbrella Movement mass pro-democracy protests of 2014 and is on bail pending an appeal. He will be sentenced on another protest-related charge Thursday, which could mean more jail time. "No one likes to serve a prison sentence, (but) if it can mobilise more people to care about justice and democracy in Hong Kong, I think it's valuable and I will pay this price," Wong told AFP. Protesters carried placards reading: "The Hong Kong spirit can never be imprisoned" and "Walk with the resisters, fight authoritarian rule". Some held up caricatures of city leaders. Others played a recording of China's national anthem and paraded a doll bearing the sign: "When you hear the national anthem, don't eat. Stand up immediately." A new law introduced by Beijing against disrespecting the anthem will also be applied to Hong Kong. The city was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 and is governed by a "one country, two systems" deal which grants it freedoms unseen on the mainland. But with the emergence of a fledgling pro-independence movement, Beijing is pushing a tougher line on Hong Kong. There are also concerns about a new express railway to the mainland, which will mean that parts of the train terminus come under Chinese jurisdiction. Student Kelvin Muk, 20, said he had joined the march because he feared he may eventually lose the right to do so. "We are increasingly coming out to protest because we want to at least hold on to the last remaining freedoms we have," he said.

'Anti-authoritarian' march in Hong Kong

An appeals court jailed three leaders of Hong Kong&#39;s democracy movement for six to eight months on Thursday, dealing a blow to the Chinese-ruled city&#39;s youth-led push for universal suffrage and prompting accusations of political interference.

Joshua Wong, 20, Alex Chow, 24, and Nathan Law, 26, were sentenced last year to non-jail terms including community service for unlawful assembly, but Hong Kong&#39;s Department of Justice applied for a review, seeking imprisonment.

Wong was jailed for six months, Chow for seven months and Law for eight months. Law had been the city&#39;s youngest ever democratically elected legislator before he was stripped last month of his seat by a government-led lawsuit.

The three appeared stern but calm as their sentences were delivered by a panel of three judges.

The former British colony, which has been governed under a &quot;one country, two systems&quot; formula since it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, was rocked by nearly three months of mostly peaceful street occupations in late 2014, demanding Beijing grant the city full democracy.

The so-called &quot;Umbrella Movement&quot; civil disobedience movement, that drew hundreds of thousands of protesters at its peak, was triggered after Wong and his colleagues stormed into a courtyard fronting the city&#39;s government headquarters.

They were later charged with participating in and inciting an unlawful assembly.

Just before sentencing, a defiant Wong told around one hundred supporters who thronged into the High Court lobby, some weeping, that he had no regrets and urged them to keep fighting for full democracy.

&quot;I hope Hong Kong people won&#39;t give up. Victory is ours. When we are released next year I hope we can see a Hong Kong that is full of hope. I want to see Hong Kong people not giving up. This is my last wish before I go to jail.&quot;

Wong also told Reuters earlier that Hong Kong&#39;s democratic movement was facing its &quot;darkest era&quot; and that he&#39;d lost confidence in the city&#39;s vaunted legal system, long considered one of the best in Asia.

The Department of Justice said in an earlier statement that the trio were not convicted for exercising their civil liberties, but because their conduct during the protest included &quot;disorderly and intimidating behaviour&quot;.

It added there was &quot;absolutely no basis to imply any political motive&quot;.

Critics disagreed.

&quot;The outlandish application seeking jail time is not about public order but is instead a craven political move to keep the trio out of the Legislative Council, as well as deter future protests,&quot; China director at Human Rights Watch, Sophie Richardson, said in a statement on Wednesday.

Hong Kong enjoys a free judiciary, unlike on the mainland where the Communist Party controls the courts which rarely challenge its decisions.

The jail terms will curtail the political ambitions of the trio, barring them for running for seats in the legislature for the next five years.

In recent months, dozens of protesters, mostly young people, have been jailed for their roles in various protests, including a violent demonstration that the government called a riot in early 2016.

Nathan Law had been the city's youngest ever democratically elected legislator before he was stripped last month of his seat by a government-led lawsuit

An appeals court jailed three leaders of Hong Kong's democracy movement for six to eight months on Thursday, dealing a blow to the Chinese-ruled city's youth-led push for universal suffrage and prompting accusations of political interference. Joshua Wong, 20, Alex Chow, 24, and Nathan Law, 26, were sentenced last year to non-jail terms including community service for unlawful assembly, but Hong Kong's Department of Justice applied for a review, seeking imprisonment. Wong was jailed for six months, Chow for seven months and Law for eight months. Law had been the city's youngest ever democratically elected legislator before he was stripped last month of his seat by a government-led lawsuit. The three appeared stern but calm as their sentences were delivered by a panel of three judges. The former British colony, which has been governed under a "one country, two systems" formula since it was returned to Chinese rule in 1997, was rocked by nearly three months of mostly peaceful street occupations in late 2014, demanding Beijing grant the city full democracy. The so-called "Umbrella Movement" civil disobedience movement, that drew hundreds of thousands of protesters at its peak, was triggered after Wong and his colleagues stormed into a courtyard fronting the city's government headquarters. They were later charged with participating in and inciting an unlawful assembly. Just before sentencing, a defiant Wong told around one hundred supporters who thronged into the High Court lobby, some weeping, that he had no regrets and urged them to keep fighting for full democracy. "I hope Hong Kong people won't give up. Victory is ours. When we are released next year I hope we can see a Hong Kong that is full of hope. I want to see Hong Kong people not giving up. This is my last wish before I go to jail." Wong also told Reuters earlier that Hong Kong's democratic movement was facing its "darkest era" and that he'd lost confidence in the city's vaunted legal system, long considered one of the best in Asia. The Department of Justice said in an earlier statement that the trio were not convicted for exercising their civil liberties, but because their conduct during the protest included "disorderly and intimidating behaviour". It added there was "absolutely no basis to imply any political motive". Critics disagreed. "The outlandish application seeking jail time is not about public order but is instead a craven political move to keep the trio out of the Legislative Council, as well as deter future protests," China director at Human Rights Watch, Sophie Richardson, said in a statement on Wednesday. Hong Kong enjoys a free judiciary, unlike on the mainland where the Communist Party controls the courts which rarely challenge its decisions. The jail terms will curtail the political ambitions of the trio, barring them for running for seats in the legislature for the next five years. In recent months, dozens of protesters, mostly young people, have been jailed for their roles in various protests, including a violent demonstration that the government called a riot in early 2016.

Three young Hong Kong democracy leaders jailed for months

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