Hong Kong Parliament now reserved for Beijing supporters, opposition silenced

“It is a very sad day for Hong Kong,” said a former MP and Democratic Party member Emily Lau. “The electoral system has been completely dismantled. That’s how they get rid of the opposition because under this system, which is so repressive and restrictive, I don’t think any self-respecting individual wants to participate.”

The opposition in Hong Kong had already been virtually silenced, partly due to a controversial security law. This includes a ban on foreign interference, undermining activities of the state and the pursuit of secession in Hong Kong. In practice, the law makes it possible to nip dissident noises in the bud more easily. Since the law came into force, many opposition members have been arrested, detained or fled.

Alarm bells

Last year there were still summer massive protests in Hong Kong, but according to correspondent Sjoerd den Daas that is probably not going to happen this time. “That’s deadly because of that security law.”

Hong Kong’s top executive Carrie Lam announced today that elections are expected to be held in December, more than a year after they were postponed, arguing that the coronavirus would not allow it.

Hong Kong is part of China, but as a former British colony enjoyed far more democratic freedoms than the mainland. In 2019, massive pro-democracy protests culminated in violence between activists and the police. In elections later that year, pro-democracy candidates subsequently won en masse, raising alarm bells in Beijing.

‘Attack on Democracy’

Recent developments have led to international criticism of Beijing. British Foreign Secretary Raab has accused China of violating its Hong Kong agreements over and over again. Earlier, the British government paved the way for Hong Kongers to apply for a British passport more quickly. London expects some 300,000 people from Hong Kong to come to the UK in the coming years, but there are also estimates that are much higher.

Earlier, the European Union, New Zealand and the United States also criticized the developments. EU foreign chief Borrell said China is dismantling the ‘one country, two systems’ principle agreed with the British. The American Secretary of State Blinken described it as an attack on democracy.

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