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European Parliament delegation raises concerns over Basic Law interpretation, media censorship
Chairman of body dealing with China made comments on final day of three-day visit to Hong Kong
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A delegation from the European Parliament concluded its three-day visit to Hong Kong on Thursday on a jarring note, saying it was concerned about Beijing’s interpretations of the city’s mini-constitution and self-censorship.
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“We are concerned to hear about media self-censorship and about interpretations of the Basic Law prior to court rulings,” said Jo Leinen, chairman of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with China. “The rule of law is a keystone of Hong Kong’s unique way of life. It is vital for the city’s international reputation, and integral to the success of ‘one country, two systems’, which we strongly support.”
The parliament is the legislative body of the European Union.
It shows that the international community is very concerned about Hong Kong’s affairs
In October last year, the Hong Kong government made a legal bid to oust pro-independence lawmakers-elect Sixtus Baggio Leung Chung-hang and Yau Wai-ching from the Legislative Council for deviating from the standard oath during their swearing-in.
The next month, before Hong Kong courts had reached a decision, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee – China’s top legislative body – interpreted the local oath ordinance, requiring public officials to take their oaths “sincerely” and “solemnly” or face disqualification.
Leung, Yau and four other pro-democracy lawmakers were unseated in separate government-initiated litigations after the court ruled their oath-taking antics breached the law.
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Since Hong Kong was handed from British to Chinese rule in 1997, the standing committee has interpreted the Basic Law five times: in 1999, 2004, 2005, 2011 and last year
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