| Pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong are resigning in protest (AP) after four of their colleagues were disqualified from serving by a new law imposed by Beijing.
China’s top legislative body passed a measure (Guardian) yesterday barring people from serving on Hong Kong’s Legislative Council if they support independence for the region, refuse to recognize Beijing’s sovereignty, seek help from foreign countries to “interfere” in regional affairs, or otherwise “endanger national security.” Four pro-democracy lawmakers were immediately disqualified by the law, which was denounced by Western countries, including the United States. The fifteen remaining members of the group said they would resign en masse today. China’s office in Hong Kong condemned their resignations (BBC) as an “open challenge” to Beijing’s authority. |