China bars two Hong Kong legislators

A file picture shows Baggio Leung (left) and Yau Wai-ching (right) of the Youngspirations outfit march in a rally on Sunday against China’s intervention in Hong Kong. (Photo: AFP)

Beijing effectively barred two pro-independence lawmakers from Hong Kong’s legislature on Monday, prompting one legislator to pronounce that the city’s rule of law was “dead”. City leader Leung Chun-ying said he would “fully implement” Beijing’s ruling.

It is the latest development in the political turmoil in the semi-autonomous city.

Beijing’s ruling was met with dismay by pro-democracy lawmakers. “The rule of law in Hong Kong is dead,” said lawmaker Claudia. “It’s rule by decree. Hong Kong may need to live under fear from now on.”

Political analyst Joseph Cheng said Beijing’s decision showed political considerations had taken precedence “over the long-term value of the preservation of the effective functioning of the rule of law”.

The crisis came after rebel lawmakers Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching deliberately misread their oaths of office last month. They were initially granted a second chance at swearing-in but authorities have stepped in to prevent that. Beijing’s intervention pre-empts a decision by Hong Kong’s High Court into whether Baggio and Yau should be disqualified.

Innterpreting Hong Kong’s Constitution on Monday, Beijing said any one who did not follow the oath, “or takes the oath in a manner which is not sincere or not solemn”, should be disqualified. Beijing’s foreign ministry said the move would “cap pro-independence forces” and safeguard Hong Kong’s stability.