The most powerful legal weapon in the Hong Kong government’s arsenal is the sweeping Emergency Regulations Ordinance. Illustration: Henry Wong
Is Hong Kong on the brink of declaring emergency rule to deal with anti-government protesters?
- In a series of in-depth articles on the unrest rocking Hong Kong, the Post goes behind the headlines to look at the underlying issues, current state of affairs, and where it is all heading
- In this latest instalment, the Post examines the most powerful legal weapon in the government’s arsenal, the sweeping Emergency Regulations Ordinance
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Hong Kong protests
The most powerful legal weapon in the Hong Kong government’s arsenal is the sweeping Emergency Regulations Ordinance. Illustration: Henry Wong
Protesters use bamboo sticks as they face riot police during a protest in Hong Kong. Photo: AP
Can Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam issue an emergency edict? Yes, but the legislature needs to approve it
- One of Lam’s advisers said such a move would not need Legco approval, but Hong Kong itself told a UN commission in 1999 it would be subject to vetting
- Legislation would confer upon administration very broad powers, if chief executive decides city is in state of ‘emergency or public danger’
Topic |
Hong Kong protests
Protesters use bamboo sticks as they face riot police during a protest in Hong Kong. Photo: AP