Police surround Hong Kong’s legislature before lawmakers debate a bill that would criminalize abuse of the Chinese national anthem in the semi-autonomous city.
Riot police stand guard outside the Legislative Council building in Hong Kong, Wednesday, May 27, 2020. Hong Kong's legislature begins debate on a bill that would criminalize insulting or abusing the Chinese national anthem. Opponents see the proposal as part of growing central government infringement on freedoms in the semi-autonomous territory.
Protest calls went out Tuesday night, urging people to surround the legislature buildings and block roads in an attempt to derail the proceedings, but they didn’t materialize. The bill makes it illegal to insult or abuse the “March of the Volunteers.” Those found guilty could face up to three years in prison and a maximum fine of HK$50,000 .
Anti-China sentiment has been on the rise in Hong Kong since 2014 protests, known as the Umbrella Revolution, that stemmed from the Chinese government’s decision to allow direct election of the city leader only after it screened candidates. In the end, the plan for direct elections was dropped.
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong legislature surrounded by riot police ahead of expected protestsHundreds of riot police took up posts around Hong Kong's legislature overnight, as protests were expected on Wednesday over a bill criminalising disrespect of China's national anthem and against plans by Beijing to impose national security laws.
Read more »
Riot police shield Hong Kong legislature as protests gather against anthem billHundreds of riot police took up posts around Hong Kong's legislature overnight, as protests were expected over a bill criminalizing disrespect of China's national anthem and against plans by Beijing to impose national security laws. More here:
Read more »
Police surround Hong Kong legislature before anthem debateThe debate over the bill also comes as China moves to enact a national security law for Hong Kong, aimed at forbidding secessionist and subversive activity, sparking fresh anti-government protests in the financial hub.
Read more »
Asian shares slip as new Hong Kong tensions riseAsian shares slipped on Wednesday as investor concerns about rising tensions between the United States and China tempered optimism about a re-opening of the world economy.
Read more »
China expands scope of Hong Kong security legislationChina is reportedly expanding scope of draft national security legislation to include organisations as well as individuals, a move that is likely to exacerbate concerns over freedoms in the city
Read more »
China expands scope of Hong Kong security legislation: media reportsBeijing has expanded the scope of draft national security legislation to include organisations as well as individuals, media reported on Wednesday, a move that is likely to exacerbate concerns over freedoms in the financial hub.
Read more »