Germany criticises arrests of activists in Hong Kong

The German Foreign Ministry has condemned the arrests in Hong Kong of 53 former lawmakers and democracy proponents, saying they were part of series of "worrying developments".

Police on Wednesday arrested 53 people for allegedly violating the new national security law by participating in the unofficial election primaries for the territory's legislature.

German Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Adebahr said the arrests were confirmation that the national security law passed by China would lead to the "erosion of the freedoms, rights and rule of law" for those living in Hong Kong.

"The Chinese government should do everything to keep to its international obligations," she added.

The mass arrests were the largest move against Hong Kong's democracy movement since the law was imposed by Beijing last June to quell dissent in the semi-autonomous territory.Accoring to Hong Kong authorities, those arrested are suspected of trying to paralyze the government, via their plans to gain a majority of the seats in the legislature to create a situation in which the chief executive had to resign and the government would stop functioning.

The legislative election that would have followed the unofficial primaries was postponed by a year by Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who cited the public health risks during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mass resignations and disqualifications of pro-democracy lawmakers have left the legislature largely a pro-Beijing body.

(IMAGE CREDITS:AP)