Security bill's opponents plan hunger strikes as final protest

A hunger strike is being planned by the Democrats and their allies to oppose the passage of controversial security laws.

The Democrats and pressure groups plan to protest against the proposed legislation to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law, with a hunger strike of up to 100 hours. The action will go until someone drops out.

'We want to get the community involved. We want to show our determination against the bill, but in a peaceful way,' Democratic Party chairman Yeung Sum said.

Dr Yeung said he hoped the hunger strike would also encourage people to take part in the mass protest scheduled for July 1, the sixth anniversary of the handover of sovereignty.

'Our target is a turnout of 100,000, to make it the biggest political gathering other than the June 4 candlelit vigil,' he said.

Lawmakers from the party favour a prolonged street campaign rather than mass resignations from the legislature to protest at the passage of the bill, which is expected next month. Calls have been growing for the pro-democracy camp to resign from Legco in protest at the proposals.