Police in Hong Kong have arrested over 50 pro-democracy activists for the alleged violation of national security law by taking part in unofficial election primaries last year.
The arrests also included former lawmakers and they are the largest move against the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong since the law was imposed last June.
Hong Kong’s security minister John Lee stated, “The operation today targets the active elements who are suspected to be involved in the crime of overthrowing, or interfering (and) seriously destroy the Hong Kong government’s legal execution of duties,”.
Mr Lee stated that the activists were arrested as they were suspected of attempting to paralyse their government by gaining a majority of seats in the legislature which would result in a situation where chief executive Carrie Lam would have to resign.
Those who voted in the unofficial primaries have been assured that they will not be targeted by police.