02/26/2003

Dow Jones International News

HONG KONG (AP)--A controversial anti-subversion bill came before Hong Kong's legislature Wednesday, prompting a walkout by opposition lawmakers who burned it in effigy while pro-democracy activists ripped up a copy and threw pieces from a public gallery.

Critics say the bill threatens Hong Kong's freedoms, which are left over from British colonial days. [...].

The bill was read out by a clerk in the Legislative Council - a dry procedural move in an otherwise heated dispute - and as Secretary for Security Regina Ip was introduced to begin a second reading, about 20 of Hong Kong's 60 lawmakers walked out in protest.

They burned a mock copy of the bill and said it should be withdrawn.

"If this law is passed, it will seriously affect the freedom of the press, the freedom of religion and the freedom of assembly," said Yeung Sum, chairman of the Democratic Party.

Two veteran pro-democracy activists inside the legislative chamber tore up a copy and tossed pieces of it. They were quickly removed by security guards and were later arrested by police.

Opposition to the bill has been fierce but will likely amount to nothing more than sharp and colorful criticism.

The legislature is dominated by pro-Beijing lawmakers and their big-business allies who typically side with the Hong Kong government and have indicated they will this time, too. The government hopes the bill will be enacted by July.

[...].

Before Wednesday's session got under way, opposing groups of about 75 people each squared off outside and yelled at one another.

"Defend human rights and freedom," shouted those opposed to the law.

[...]

Since Hong Kong was returned from British to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, it has been constitutionally required to outlaw subversion, sedition, treason, secession and other crimes against the state.

The government last year began work on the law - with life prison sentences for many offenses - but found itself caught up in what has arguably been the biggest political fight since the handover.

Critics accuse Hong Kong leaders of proposing a law that could stifle dissent - and some say the Falun Gong [group] could find itself outlawed here, like it is in mainland China.

[...]

Behind the crowd of people shouting out against the law, about 60 Falun Gong followers sat on the ground meditating in silent protest.