Hong Kong separatist political party given 21-day ultimatum to contest unprecedented ban

Hong Kong police are for the first time seeking to ban a separatist party in the name of protecting national security – the strongest and most controversial effort to date by the authorities to decisively crush an already marginalised pro-independence movement in the city.

On Tuesday, Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu gave the Hong Kong National Party an ultimatum to submit its case within three weeks as to why he should not act on the police recommendation.

“I am giving 21 days to the Hong Kong National Party to give me written representations as to why they think that I should not give that order,” he said. “So I will not make a decision before the expiry of the 21 days.”

Lee pointed out that if the party was banned, it could still appeal to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor, who could make a final decision in consultation with her cabinet, the Executive Council.

While opposition politicians and some legal experts were quick to condemn the authorities for “political oppression”, and warn it was effectively “giving life” to already sidelined independence advocacy, Lam rejected their concerns that the “one country, two systems” policy was under attack.

“They [Beijing leaders] absolutely have no intention to undermine the Hong Kong system,” she said. “But of course, one country does mean you have to respect national sovereignty and national interest. So, if this so-called red line or bottom line is breached, then the government, and myself as chief executive, will have to make it very clear that is not tolerated.”