They've gone from being stars of Hong Kong's nascent independence movement, to public enemy number one, criticized in newspapers and on television, and harassed online. Hong Kong government officials sued to prevent them being sworn-in again, arguing they had forgone their opportunity. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said last week that "pro-independence forces in Hong Kong want to split the nation." If Hong Kong does not become independent, she said, then it is just the same as any other Chinese city. JUST WATCHED Hong Kong's banned candidates Replay More Videos ... MUST WATCH Hong Kong's banned candidates 03:03Divided cityDespite widespread outrage over Beijing's intervention, including mass protests, Yau and Leung have also come in for a whirlwind of criticism, even from anti-Beijing quarters.

Source: CNN November 21, 2016 22:35 UTC