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Hong Kong localism, independence
Opinion

‘One country, two systems’ demands that Hong Kong discuss the independence question

Cliff Buddle says the freedom of expression, even if abused, is a defining feature of the Hong Kong SAR that must be protected. Attempts to suppress all talk of independence would risk provoking rallying cries

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Cliff Buddle says the freedom of expression, even if abused, is a defining feature of the Hong Kong SAR that must be protected. Attempts to suppress all talk of independence would risk provoking rallying cries
Cliff Buddle
There is every reason why independence should be discussed. If arguments for and against such a move are advanced, it will quickly become clear that this is not in Hong Kong’s interest. Illustration: Craig Stephens
There is every reason why independence should be discussed. If arguments for and against such a move are advanced, it will quickly become clear that this is not in Hong Kong’s interest. Illustration: Craig Stephens
The freedom of speech, one of the most important rights protected by law in Hong Kong, has been much used, abused, maligned and misunderstood during the ongoing debate over the placing of pro-independence banners and posters at universities. What began as a provocative statement of opinion by a small number of students at the start of the new academic year has led to confrontation, personal abuse and calls for the prosecution of those who advocate independence. Battle lines have been drawn. There is a need for tolerance, understanding and respect on all sides.
Freedom of expression, perhaps more than any other human right, demonstrates the difference ­between Hong Kong and mainland China under the “one country, two systems” arrangement. Residents of this city are free to express opinions in a way not permitted on the mainland. In Hong Kong, you can criticise the central government, take part in protests and attend the annual vigil to mark the anniversary of the Tiananmen crackdown.

Thousands join June 4 vigil in Hong Kong in 2017

The right, however, is much broader than that. The free flow of information and ideas has played a key part in driving Hong Kong’s ­development as a vibrant, diverse, cosmopolitan city and international financial centre.

Seven Hong Kong student unions label removal of independence banners an ‘erosion of academic autonomy’

As the European Court of ­Human Rights put it, in a famous case in the 1970s: “Freedom of ­expression constitutes one of the essential foundations of [a democratic] society, one of the basic conditions for its progress and for the development of every man.”

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Hong Kong’s de facto constitution, the Basic Law, protects the freedom of speech, both directly and through its incorporation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, in her condemnation of students posting pro-independence banners, said: “This is not a question of freedom of speech. It is a question of whether we are respecting ‘one country, two ­systems’ and a constitutional question of whether we care if Hong Kong can continue to have our rights and freedoms protected under ‘one country, two systems’.”

Carrie Lam voices support for universities’ plan to remove Hong Kong independence banners

But the reason why human rights are given legal protection is to try to ensure that they are not unduly restricted in the name of national interests.

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