Opposition decries ‘selective prosecution’ as Hong Kong lawmakers, activists charged over chaotic May 8 Legislative Council meeting
- The group of seven were arrested on Sunday on charges of contempt and interference with Legislative Council officers
- No establishment camp lawmakers have been arrested over showdown that erupted during takeover of a key committee
Seven opposition activists, including four lawmakers, were arrested on charges of contempt and interference with Legislative Council officers on Sunday, over a chaotic meeting in May that descended into shouting and scuffles.
The pan-democratic camp condemned the arrests as “selective” and politically motivated, as no pro-establishment lawmakers were arrested, even though some had been involved in physical clashes during the meeting in question.
Pro-establishment legislators, however, said police had done their job in accordance with the law.
At an afternoon press conference, police superintendent Chan Wing-yu also revealed the force was awaiting further legal advice from the Department of Justice that could potentially lead to more arrests.
“Law enforcement action was taken in accordance with the law and evidence gathered during the investigation … It’s not about their social status or political background,” he said.
The seven are accused of disrupting Legco’s House Committee meeting on May 8. The meeting descended into chaos as 11 opposition lawmakers were thrown out by pro-establishment leader Starry Lee Wai-king, who took control of the committee to begin clearing a backlog of bills for review, a surprise move pan-democrats criticised as an abuse of power. She was later re-elected chairwoman of the committee.