Hong Kong’s government has ousted four opposition lawmakers, prompting the resignation of most of the pro-democracy camp in the city’s de facto parliament, in what critics say is part of a growing attack on the territory’s autonomy.
The government made the decision using new powers granted by Beijing on Wednesday that allow the removal of lawmakers on national security grounds. This includes supporting Hong Kong independence or inviting foreign interference in the city’s affairs.
“I would urge the people of Hong Kong we should not give up. We can’t give up,” said Kwok Ka-ki, one of the four ousted legislators, who described the disqualifications as “the saddest day of Hong Kong”.
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s chief executive, defended the decision, saying it was “constitutional, lawful, reasonable and necessary”.
The move comes as Hong Kong’s…