Jubilee Post News & Views
Special Desk
Unwary of the social distancing people took to streets in Hong Kong on Sunday to protest against China. They were more worried of the law proposed by China than anything else.
Protestors had to face fired tear gas used by police in Hong Kong against protesters taking part in the first pro-democracy demonstration since China announced plans to impose a new security law. During coronavirus pandemic hundreds of demonstrators marched through the city centre.
China is seeking to pass a law that would ban treason, secession, sedition and subversion in the territory. About 200 politicians from around the world had issued a joint statement criticising China’s plan earlier and signatories called it a comprehensive assault on the city’s autonomy, rule of law and fundamental freedoms.
China dropped a political bombshell on Hong Kong when it declared it would impose a national security law on the city. Now many fear this could spell the end of Hong Kong’s unique freedoms. What China has submitted is a draft resolution to its rubber stamp parliament. That resolution will be voted (and probably passed) next week. Only after that, will it be fleshed out into an actual draft law.
It has dismissed fears the legislation would harm foreign investors in Hong Kong, an important financial centre, and has lashed out at meddling countries. Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam, who is seen as part of the pro-Beijing political establishment, has pledged full support for the proposed law and said the city’s freedoms would remain unchanged.
Protesters gathered in the busy Causeway Bay and Wan Chai districts of the city on Sunday, chanting slogans against the government and waving banners. Riot police fired tear gas and pepper spray at demonstrators wearing face masks to protect against the spread of coronavirus.
It comes after earlier warnings from authorities against unauthorised assembly and a ban on large public gatherings to enforce social distancing.
Reports say Sunday’s protest followed a similar pattern to many of last year’s demonstrations, with clashes breaking out between police and protesters, some of whom some threw objects such as umbrellas at officers.
