Pro-democracy protest in Hong Kong

Thousands of people have marched in Hong Kong to protest against the government's bid to disqualify four pro-democracy lawmakers

Thousands of people take to the streets of Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2017

Thousands of people take to the streets of Hong Kong on Jan. 1, 2017 Source: AAP

Police in Hong Kong say nearly 5000 people have marched in a New Year's Day protest against an attempt by the government to disqualify four pro-democracy lawmakers.

The Hong Kong government has started legal proceedings against the four recently elected legislators, who altered their swearing-in oaths to stage apparent protests against the Chinese government in Beijing.

In November, the government won a similar challenge against two newly elected separatist lawmakers.

Protesters on Sunday held placards in support of the four lawmakers.

One of the legislators, Edward Yiu, said the government's legal move was destroying Hong Kong's democratic system.

Police said around 4800 people took part in the march. Organisers said more than 9000 participated.


Share
Published 2 January 2017 6:12am
Updated 2 January 2017 1:12pm
Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world