American Lawyer Also Arrested Under Hong Kong National Security Law

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] On the 6th, as Hong Kong police arrested more than 50 pro-democracy figures on charges of violating the National Security Law (Hong Kong National Security Law), it was revealed that among them was an American lawyer.

According to Hong Kong public broadcaster RTHK and others on the day, about 30 police officers raided the office of the law firm 'Ho Tse Wai & Partners' and arrested John Clancy, an American lawyer affiliated with the firm, on charges of subversion.

On the same day, the police arrested more than 50 pro-democracy figures, including former chairman Wu Chi-wai, at least seven members of the Democratic Party, Hong Kong's main opposition party, Alvin Yeung, chairman of the Civic Party, and Benny Tai, former professor at the University of Hong Kong, on charges of violating the Hong Kong National Security Law.

They are accused of attempting to subvert the state by organizing and participating in an unofficial primary election to select a single opposition candidate for each of the five constituencies about two months before the Legislative Council (Hong Kong Parliament) election scheduled for September 6 last year.

'Ho Tse Wai & Partners' represents many pro-democracy figures, and lawyer Clancy is the accountant for 'Power for Democracy,' the organization that assisted with last year's Legislative Council primary election.

The Hong Kong National Security Law, enacted on June 30 last year, allows for the death penalty or life imprisonment for four crimes: secession, subversion of state power, terrorist activities, and collusion with foreign forces.

Western countries, including the United States, have strongly criticized China, arguing that the Hong Kong National Security Law undermines Hong Kong's autonomy and democracy.

In response to the mass arrests by Hong Kong police on the day, Antony Blinken, the nominee for U.S. Secretary of State in the incoming Biden administration, tweeted, "The sweeping arrests of pro-democracy activists are an attack on those who have bravely defended universal rights," adding, "The Biden-Harris administration will stand with the people of Hong Kong against China's suppression of democracy."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.