Published 13:49 IST, July 3rd 2020
Hong Kong activists planning to create 'parliament-in-exile' as China imposes security law
China earlier this week implemented the new national security law despite facing criticism from governments and rights groups from all over the world.
- World News
- 2 min read
Simon Cheng, a former employee of the United Kingdom's consulate in Hong Kong, who has been granted political asylum in Britain, reportedly said pro-democracy activists from the city are discussing plans to create an unofficial parliament-in-exile to preserve the democracy and send a message to China's 'totalitarian' regime. Cheng reportedly said that it is important to create the parliament-in-exile to send a clear message to Beijing that freedom cannot be crushed. China earlier this week implemented the new national security law despite facing criticism from governments and rights groups from all over the world.
Simon alleges being tortured by police
Simon Cheng was allegedly arrested by China's secret police last year when he visited the mainland for some business trip. Cheng has alleged that he was tortured and forced to sign false confessions while he was in custody in China. On June 26, Cheng was granted political asylum by Britain after China failed to provide 'an adequate response' to the UK's questions over the incident, said UK's Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab. Cheng about the parliament-in-exile said that the idea is still at an early stage of discussions and it has not been decided where it will sit.
Meanwhile, Nathan Law, a former legislator and a young pro-democracy campaigner fled Hong Kong on July 2 after the implementation of the new security law. Nathan Law had appeared before the US Congress via a video link and said he had decided to leave Hong Kong prior to testifying before American politicians. Nathan Law has fled the city to go to an undisclosed location and said he will continue to do his advocacy work from abroad. The new security law came into effect on June 30 after Chinese President Xi Jinping gave his approval.
Updated 15:21 IST, July 3rd 2020