Dozens held in largest crackdown on Hong Kong opposition

HONG KONG: Hong Kong has arrested dozens of pro-democracy activists and politicians, accusing them of trying to "overthrow" the city's government.

The group, arrested under a controversial new security law, were involved in an unofficial "primary" vote to select opposition candidates ahead of the postponed 2020 elections, the BBC reported on Wednesday.

Hong Kong's security secretary has said their actions were "subversive". The arrests formed part of the largest crackdown since the law's introduction.

Beijing imposed the legislation on the semi-autonomous territory in June, saying it was necessary to curb months of sometimes violent pro-democracy protests.

But the crackdown on Wednesday appeared to confirm the fears of many who warned about the reach of the law, with Amnesty International saying the arrests are "the starkest demonstration yet of how the national security law has been weaponised to punish anyone who dares to challenge the establishment".

Early in the morning, police began a sweeping crackdown on Hong Kong's opposition figures. At least 53 people were arrested and about 1,000 national security officers were deployed.

Police searched the home of already detained activist Joshua Wong. Police also searched the offices of law firm Ho TseWai& Partners. (IANS)

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