A Hong Kong court stripped four pro-democracy lawmakers of their seats on the Legislative Council on Friday, a decision that — if upheld — will effectively turn it into a rubber stamp parliament for Beijing. The previous Hong Kong administration had launched a legal challenge against the four, after Beijing offered its interpretation of the rules governing the legislature. Two other pro-democracy lawmakers — Sixtus Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching — were ousted by the courts and Beijing in December last year. Hong Kong last month marked the 20th anniversary of its handover to China after more than 150 years of British rule. China promised Hong Kong autonomy from the mainland, but there are signs of increased involvement by Beijing in Hong Kong affairs.

Source: The China Post July 15, 2017 00:00 UTC