DHARAMSHALA, Nov. 07, 2016: China has passed an effective ruling which bans two pro independence lawmakers – Sixtus Leung and Yau Wai Ching from taking office, making it the first direct intervention into Hong Kong legal affairs since the handover in 1997.
The parliament’s interpretation of Hong Kong’s Basic Law says that the lawmakers must swear allegiance to the city as part of china, those who refuse to be sworn in accordance to the law will not be allowed to take up the post.
A spokesman for Beijing’s state council was quoted by Xinhua as saying this intervention was “absolutely necessary”, “safeguarding the Hong Kong constitution and rule of law” and “complies with the common aspiration of entire Chinese people including the compatriots in Hong Kong”.
The chaotic swearing in ceremony at Hong Kong Legco in which two pro independence lawmakers set forth their oath which pledges to an independent Hong Kong nation, putting out banner with “Hong Kong Is not China”, led to a hold up on their oath taking process pending judicial review.
The Hong Kong Bar association has said an intervention by Beijing now, while a local court was hearing the case, would deal a severe blow to the city’s judicial independence and undermine international confidence in Hong Kong autonomy.
In effect against such move by Beijing thousands of Hong Kongers took out to streets around Chinas representative office in Hong Kong, clashing with the police.
