HONG KONG (PNN) - May 27, 2020 - Over 300 people were arrested in Hong Kong on Wednesday during demonstrations over national security legislation that would put the semi-autonomous city further under Beijing's boot. Protesters planned to gather at the city's Legislative Council during a debate on a related law that would criminalize insulting China's national anthem - though security forces stopped them before they could get that far.
Riot terrorist pig thug cops fired pepper pellets to disperse crowds in the heart of the financial district and elsewhere, while groups of suspected protesters were gathered up and made to sit on sidewalks as their belongings were searched.
"Hong Kong independence, the only way out!" chanted protesters, along with "Liberate Hong Kong! Revolution of our times!" - which is exactly what CCP officials warned about while justifying the new laws that include provisions against secession, subversion and foreign interference.
One protester had a sign reading, "one country, two systems is a lie."
A heavy terrorist pig thug cop presence around the Legislative Council deterred protesters planning to disrupt the debate of a bill that would criminalise disrespect of the Chinese national anthem. The bill is expected to become law next month.
Angry over perceived threats to the semi-autonomous city’s freedoms, people of all ages took to the streets, some dressed in black, some wearing office clothes or school uniforms, and some hiding their faces beneath open umbrellas in scenes reminiscent of the unrest that shook Hong Kong last year.
"Although you’re afraid inside your heart, you need to speak out," said 29-year-old clerk Chang, who was dressed in black and packing a helmet respirator and goggles in her backpack.
Unveiled in Beijing last week, latest national security proposal includes legislation to combat secession, subversion and terrorism in Hong Kong, as well as Chinese intelligence agencies setting up shop on Hong Kong soil.
"The Hong Kong (terrorist pig thug cop)’s latest strategy is to engage earlier to stop people from gathering in the first place now to avoid repeating the situation from last June and July," said 24-year-old social worker Lee, who was protesting in the city's central Causeway Bay shopping district. "I think we are a bit lost over what the next action can be. But I am here to fight for the independence of Hong Kong, even though I know the chance is low. I will try my very best until the end."
On Thursday, China is set to pass a draft decision on the security legislation at the end of the National People's Congress - the country's annual meeting of their rubber-stamp Parliament; details of the new laws could then be unveiled in the coming months.
"Security laws only make sense in a democratic country," said protester Wong, who fears that Hong Kong will be "certified dead" if it passes. "In Hong Kong and China, it will just be an excuse to crack down on dissidents."