Hong Kong legislature descends into fighting

“Scuffles” broke out at Hong Kong’s legislature Friday, with security guards ejecting several pro-democracy lawmakers including one who was carried out by medics on a stretcher.

Tempers flared after probeijing member Starry Lee inserted herself as chair of a committee meeting to try to end a months-long impasse that has resulted in a backlog of legislation, including a controversial bill that would criminalise abuse of the Chinese national anthem in the semi-autonomous city.

Pro-beijing members have accused Dennis Kwok, the deputy chair of the House Committee, of stalling its work by blocking the selection of a new chair for more than six months. China publicly rebuked Kwok last month for holding up matters that affect public interest.

On Friday Ms Lee, said she had the authority to preside over the meeting. Security staff and other pro-beijing lawmakers then scuffled with prodemocracy supporters, with several rushing the bench and most eventually walking out. The session was suspended after politician Kwok Wing-kin was dragged away by security guards after he threw a stack of papers down into the meeting room.