Pro-democracy figures reportedly arrested in Hong Kong under sweeping national security law

Dozens of opposition figures, including activists and former lawmakers, were reportedly arrested in Hong Kong Wednesday morning local time under Beijing’s new sweeping national security law, ac

The detentions mark the broadest use of the law since it was imposed by mainland China in 2020, which permits Beijing to operate its security services in the historically autonomous territory and could hand down harsh punishments for vague crimes regarding secession, subversion and terrorist activities. 

The arrests appeared to target lawmakers who ran in July primary elections in Hong Kong before the general legislative races that took place in September. Multiple lawmakers were disqualified by Beijing from running in that primary, which were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Hong Kong’s Democratic Party said among those arrested were former Democratic Party lawmakers James To, Andrew Wan, and Lam Cheuk-ting, who had previously served in the territory’s Legislative Council. Joshua Wong, a leading opposition activist, also said his home was raided.

[Just In] Former lawmakers James To, Andrew Wan, Lam Cheuk Ting were arrested by police national security branch this morning for last yr legislature election. Police said “35+” (winning the majority in LegCo election) was an act of SUBVERSION, in violation of the NSL.

— Democratic Party 民主黨 (@HKDemocrats) January 5, 2021

The Democratic Party said the three former lawmakers had been arrested on suspicion of “subversion” under the national security law.

“Police also raided Joshua’s home for allegedly violating the national security law this morning as he took part in the primary election last year. 50+ democratic activists were arrested,” read a tweet from Wong’s account.

#BREAKING Police also raided Joshua’s home for allegedly violating the national security law this morning as he took part in the primary election last year. 50+ democratic activists were arrested.

— Joshua Wong 黃之鋒 (@joshuawongcf) January 6, 2021

Statements from the accounts of prominent activists like Lester Shum, “Longhair” Leung Kwok-hung, Civic Party leader Alvin Yeung, former journalist Gwyneth Ho and community activist Eddie Chu also said they were arrested.

Beijing received an avalanche of criticism last year following its passage of the security law. 

International detractors rebuked China for infringing on the autonomy that Hong Kong has historically enjoyed, with the U.S. terminating three key bilateral agreements with Hong Kong. 

“These steps underscore our deep concern regarding Beijing’s decision to impose the National Security Law, which has crushed the freedoms of the people of Hong Kong,” Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement at the time.