HK feels China’s iron fist
US citizen among 53 pro-democracy campaigners arrested in dawn raids
HONG KONG: China’s crackdown in Hong Kong escalated dramatically as police arrested more than 50 opposition figures in their largest operation since a draconian security law was imposed on the financial hub last year.
The sweep is the latest salvo in Beijing’s battle to stamp out dissent in the semi-autonomous city after millions hit the streets in 2019 with huge pro-democracy protests. Police confirmed 53 people, including one US citizen, had been arrested for so-called “subversion” in an early morning operation that involved about 1000 officers.
The charges were sparked by an attempt by opposition groups last year to win a majority in the city’s partially-elected legislature.
Hong Kong’s security chief
John Lee described the arrests as “necessary”, claiming they were aimed at a group of people who tried to “sink Hong Kong into an abyss” and “overthrow the government”.
Beijing’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong said those facing prosecution “strategically organised or implemented a plan to paralyse the government”.
But the operation sparked a sharp rebuke from Antony
Blinken, US president-elect Joe Biden’s pick for secretary of state, who said Chinese authorities were launching “an assault on those bravely advocating for universal rights”.
“The Biden-Harris administration will stand with the people of Hong Kong and against Beijing’s crackdown on democracy,” he added.
Former colonial ruler Britain said the arrests were a
“grievous attack” on the rights and freedoms promised to Hong Kong under a 1984 agreement that paved the way for the territory’s return to Chinese rule.
The EU, which recently agreed a major investment deal with Beijing, called for the “immediate release” of those rounded up and said it was eyeing possible further sanctions on China over the unprecedented crackdown. National security police also raided and searched the offices of a law firm known for taking on human rights cases in the territory.
John Clancey, an American lawyer working for the firm, was arrested on suspicion of subversion.
It is the first time that a US national has been detained under Beijing’s new laws.