mandag 18. mai 2020

Hong Kong lawmakers scuffle as pro-Beijing politicians clear path for controversial national anthem bill

There were scuffles in Hong Kong's parliament Monday as lawmakers fought for control of a key committee chair.  Pro-Beijing and pro-democracy politicians have been arguing for weeks over the House Committee, which controls what bills are discussed by the semi-elected body. On Monday, they were due to elect a new chairman, with lawmakers who support the government expected to take control, clearing the path for a number of controversial bills -- including one making it a crime to insult the Chinese national anthem. 

The meeting quickly dissolved into acrimony and scuffles, as lawmakers arrived to find a pro-Beijing politician, Chan Kin-por, sitting in the chairperson's seat, according to Hong Kong's public broadcaster, RTHK.