Thousands of Protesters Defy Beijing

Hong Kong – It was to be expected. Barely 48 hours after Beijing announced a security law that effectively undermines Hong Kong’s autonomy, the streets of semi-independent territory have again filled with people. This Sunday, thousands of protesters gathered in central Hong Kong despite the ban on all gatherings and the gathering of more than eight people as part of measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Premier Li Keqiang

Protesters oppose a bill released by Premier Li Keqiang on Friday outside Parliament in Beijing. It provides in particular that the central government can apply a “national security” law, which aims “to prohibit treason, secession, sedition and subversion” by bypassing the local legislative council. Beijing could thus conduct its investigations in the territory, and install its security agents there. According to the Hong Kong mini-constitution, the provincial government has hitherto been responsible for its internal security and therefore ensuring a fair trial for its citizens.

This text, the main lines of which were disclosed on Thursday evening, de facto signals the end of the special status of the territory negotiated by the United Kingdom during the handover in 1997, and which was to remain in place until 2047. It is a direct response from Beijing to the months of violent protests that rocked Hong Kong all over the past year.

120 arrests

“It is the beginning of the end. We don’t have much time, that’s why we are here, even if there is the Covid-19 epidemic,” said activist Joshua Wong before the demonstration. ” Hong Kong Independence,” “Let’s fight for freedom, “or ” The Revolution for a Hong Kong renaissance, “were some of the slogans chanted in the city streets this Sunday. The conflict with the police was also to be expected. Some protesters threw projectiles at law enforcement, erected barricades, and used umbrellas to protect themselves from tear gas. Police have announced 120 arrests.

Strained for several weeks

Relations in Hong Kong had been strained for several weeks already between the pro-Beijing camp, which justified China’s interference in internal affairs, and those who wanted to maintain their independence. In mid-April, several activists and political figures had already been arrested, and, last Monday, the local parliament had been the scene of particularly violent altercations between the deputies of the two camps.

Beijing immediately responded to this Sunday’s protests with the voice of its foreign minister, Wang Yi, who said the new law, passed within a week, will be implemented ” without delay .” ” Violent and terrorist acts continue to mount, and foreign forces have deeply and illegally interfered in Hong Kong affairs,” he said at a press conference at the People’s Palace, the seat of the Chinese parliament in Beijing.