In a first, Chinese-ruled Hong Kong moves to ban separatist group

Hong Kong, July 17

Hong Kong on Tuesday started a process that could lead to a ban on a group that promotes secession from China, the first time since the former British colony’s return to Chinese rule in 1997 it has sought to outlaw a political organisation.

The move against the Hong Kong National Party comes at a time authorities have ratcheted up pressure on young democracy activists, some of whom have been jailed, and denounced any pro-independence action as an illegal challenge to Communist Party rulers in Beijing.

The Security Bureau wrote a letter to the founder of the party, Andy Chan, telling him he had 21 days to “make representations in writing” as to why it should not be banned.

Secretary for Security John Lee said he had not banned the group and that he could only do so after giving it time to submit its response. “Yes, in Hong Kong we have freedom of association, but that right is not without restriction,” Lee said.

Hong Kong is governed under a “one country, two systems” principle which promises it a high degree of autonomy and freedom not enjoyed in China, such as the freedom of speech and freedom of assembly. But China’s perceived tightening grip over the financial hub has stoked tensions, including the “Occupy Central” movement in 2014 that blocked major roads for nearly three months in a failed bid to pressure Beijing to allow full democracy.

“National security” is specifically defined as “the safeguarding of the territorial integrity and the independence of the People’s Republic.  — Reuters