HONG KONG — Nearly three years after sweeping pro-democracy protests filled the streets of Hong Kong, a local court delivered the struggling movement a severe blow on Friday, removing four legislators from office and assuring China greater influence over the city’s government.

The pro-democracy lawmakers were dismissed from the Hong Kong Legislative Council because they had used unacceptable words or even dubious tones in taking oaths of office that require declarations of loyalty to China. The ruling means that democracy advocates in the semiautonomous city’s legislature will no longer have enough votes to block legislation from their pro-Beijing counterparts.

“Voters entrusted us with the task of monitoring the government,” said Leung Kwok-hung, one of those unseated. “We’ve lost that power.”

Hong Kong has been rattled by episodes that have raised fears that China is reaching deeper into the city to enforce its will. A bookseller who sold lurid titles about China’s leaders was abducted and taken to mainland China. Xiao Jianhua, a prominent billionaire who grew up in China, was snatched from a high-end hotel and brought to the mainland.</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

Lam was speaking in her first interview with the international media since she was sworn in as the city's new leader by Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1.

"Hong Kong people are always very compassionate and so I share that compassion of many Hong Kong people by sending my condolence to the wife and the family of Mr. Liu," said Lam.

Liu Xiaobo, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his efforts to promote democracy in China, died on Thursday at the age of 61 of multiple organ failure.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and enjoys wide-ranging freedoms not granted in mainland China and an independent judiciary under a so-called "one country, two systems" arrangement.

But the abduction by mainland agents of Hong Kong booksellers, and Beijing's efforts to disqualify democratically elected, pro-independence lawmakers in the local legislature, have rattled confidence in that arrangement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Lam acknowledged concerns about certain "individual incidents" in the city, and said it was her duty to accurately reflect them to the central government in Beijing.

"I would say there are worries, there are anxieties, there is a strong perception over individual isolated incidents, but unless you've got evidence to prove there are clear breaches then it will remain at the level of anxieties and perception," Lam said, without elaborating.

Britain called the bookseller incident a "serious breach" of the Joint Declaration - the 1984 treaty that paved the way for Hong Kong's 1997 return to China - and said one of them, Lee Bo, had been removed from Hong Kong "under duress".

Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative assembly for failing to sincerely take the oath of office in a significant blow to the opposition.

Lam said she wouldn't intervene in the case.

Xi took what some saw as an explicitly harder line about Hong Kong's future during his visit marking the 20th anniversary of the financial hub's return from British to Chinese rule.

Xi warned in a speech that any attempt to endanger Chinese sovereignty and security, challenge its power, or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities would be acts that cross "the red line" and are "absolutely impermissible".

Lam, however, pledged to stand up for Hong Kong's core values if they were undermined, and stand by the people of Hong Kong in protecting their rights.

Hong Kong was also promised universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim" but Beijing has so far resisted granting a direct vote for a city leader with open nominations of candidates.

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's "one country, two systems arrangement" has come under considerable strain, as the city's opposition forces have agitated for full democracy and railed against creeping Chinese interference in various sectors including business, politics, media, law and education.

The 60-year-old Lam, a devout Catholic, has said she hopes to lead Hong Kong "towards new glory" in the next five years and to heal unprecedented social divisions that have continued to fester since the massive 2014 pro-democracy Occupy protests that blocked major roads in Hong Kong for 79 days.

For an interactive graphic on Hong Kong public opinion poll, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/HONGKONG-POLL/010020KY1EB/index.html</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

Lam was speaking in her first interview with the international media since she was sworn in as the city's new leader by Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1.

"Hong Kong people are always very compassionate and so I share that compassion of many Hong Kong people by sending my condolence to the wife and the family of Mr. Liu," said Lam.

Liu Xiaobo, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his efforts to promote democracy in China, died on Thursday at the age of 61 of multiple organ failure.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and enjoys wide-ranging freedoms not granted in mainland China and an independent judiciary under a so-called "one country, two systems" arrangement.

But the abduction by mainland agents of Hong Kong booksellers, and Beijing's efforts to disqualify democratically elected, pro-independence lawmakers in the local legislature, have rattled confidence in that arrangement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Lam acknowledged concerns about certain "individual incidents" in the city, and said it was her duty to accurately reflect them to the central government in Beijing.

"I would say there are worries, there are anxieties, there is a strong perception over individual isolated incidents, but unless you've got evidence to prove there are clear breaches then it will remain at the level of anxieties and perception," Lam said, without elaborating.

Britain called the bookseller incident a "serious breach" of the Joint Declaration - the 1984 treaty that paved the way for Hong Kong's 1997 return to China - and said one of them, Lee Bo, had been removed from Hong Kong "under duress".

Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative assembly for failing to sincerely take the oath of office in a significant blow to the opposition.

Lam said she wouldn't intervene in the case.

Xi took what some saw as an explicitly harder line about Hong Kong's future during his visit marking the 20th anniversary of the financial hub's return from British to Chinese rule.

Xi warned in a speech that any attempt to endanger Chinese sovereignty and security, challenge its power, or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities would be acts that cross "the red line" and are "absolutely impermissible".

Lam, however, pledged to stand up for Hong Kong's core values if they were undermined, and stand by the people of Hong Kong in protecting their rights.

Hong Kong was also promised universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim" but Beijing has so far resisted granting a direct vote for a city leader with open nominations of candidates.

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's "one country, two systems arrangement" has come under considerable strain, as the city's opposition forces have agitated for full democracy and railed against creeping Chinese interference in various sectors including business, politics, media, law and education.

The 60-year-old Lam, a devout Catholic, has said she hopes to lead Hong Kong "towards new glory" in the next five years and to heal unprecedented social divisions that have continued to fester since the massive 2014 pro-democracy Occupy protests that blocked major roads in Hong Kong for 79 days.

For an interactive graphic on Hong Kong public opinion poll, click tmsnrt.rs/299O0cu</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

2 related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony that can potentially erode its autonomy.

Lam was speaking in her first interview with the international media since she was sworn in as the city's new leader by Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1.

"Hong Kong people are always very compassionate and so I share that compassion of many Hong Kong people by sending my condolences to the wife and the family of Mr Liu," Lam, a devout Catholic, told a Reuters Newsmaker event in Hong Kong.

Chinese officials have long branded Liu as a "subversive" so such comments are unusual and the only sympathetic remarks so far from a Beijing-backed leader regarding his death.

Liu, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his efforts to promote democracy in China, died on Thursday at the age of 61 of multiple organ failure while in detention .

Liu was jailed for 11 years in 2009 for "inciting subversion of state power".

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997. It enjoys wide-ranging freedoms not granted in mainland China, a promise of full democracy at some future date, and an independent judiciary under a so-called "one country, two systems" formula.

But the abduction by mainland agents of Hong Kong booksellers who had published critical books on China, and Beijing's efforts to disqualify democratically elected, pro-independence lawmakers in the local legislature, have rattled confidence in that arrangement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Lam acknowledged concerns about certain "individual incidents" in the city. She said it was her duty to accurately reflect them to the central government in Beijing.

"I would say there are worries, there are anxieties, there is a strong perception over individual isolated incidents, but unless you've got evidence to prove there are clear breaches then it will remain at the level of anxieties and perception," Lam said, without elaborating.

She did say, however, police were still investigating the booksellers' cases.

Britain called the cases a "serious breach" of the Joint Declaration - the 1984 treaty that paved the way for Hong Kong's return to China - and said one of the booksellers, a British passport holder, had been removed from Hong Kong "under duress".

Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative council for failing to sincerely take the oath of office, in a significant blow to the opposition that could weaken its one-third veto bloc in the 70-seat assembly.

While the lawsuit had been initiated by her predecessor, Lam said she wouldn't intervene in the case

"Building bridges still has to be done in a lawful way. I don’t think this CE (chief executive) or any government official should compromise on the rule of law just because we want to be friendly. But I’m sure the judicial process will go on."

Speaking about Hong Kong's financial sector, Lam said it has a lot of catching up to do, particularly given big strides in financial technology on the mainland, and needs stronger leadership. She also expressed concern over stock price manipulation in the territory.

Xi took what some saw as an explicitly harder line about Hong Kong's future during his visit marking the 20th anniversary of the financial hub's return from British to Chinese rule.

Xi warned in a speech that any attempt to endanger Chinese sovereignty and security, challenge its power, or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities would be acts that cross "the red line" and are "absolutely impermissible".

Lam said she would seek to enact contentious national security laws, known as Article 23, "as soon as possible," without giving a specific timetable, that would prohibit acts of treason, secession, sedition and subversion against China.

A proposed blueprint for those laws in 2003, however, was seen as a grave threat to Hong Kong's autonomy, and drew a half-million protesters to the streets before it was finally shelved.

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's "one country, two systems arrangement" has come under considerable strain, as the city's opposition forces have agitated for full democracy and railed against creeping Chinese interference in various sectors including business, politics, media, law and education.

The 60-year-old Lam has said she hopes to lead Hong Kong "towards new glory" in the next five years and heal divisions that have festered since the massive 2014 pro-democracy protests that blocked major roads in Hong Kong for 79 days.

Lam also pledged to stand by the people of Hong Kong in protecting their rights.

"If our core values are being undermined by whatever things happened both in Hong Kong or not in Hong Kong, then of course I have that duty."

At times, Lam, the mother of two grown sons, showed a lighter side, boasting that she slept soundly through the night when asked about the insomnia of leadership.

She expressed hopes she could ease the pressures of Hong Kong's pressure cooker school system, saying parents should let their children "dream" - and acknowledging that was not a traditional Asian "Tiger Mum" thing to say.

Hong Kong public opinion poll (interactive) - A look at citizens' view on the future of the territory under China http://tmsnrt.rs/299O0cu

Hong Kong public opinion - A look at citizens' view on the future of the territory under China http://tmsnrt.rs/2tnzxjF</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

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Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

Lam was speaking in her first interview with the international media since she was sworn in as the city's new leader by Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1.

"Hong Kong people are always very compassionate and so I share that compassion of many Hong Kong people by sending my condolence to the wife and the family of Mr. Liu," said Lam.

Liu Xiaobo, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his efforts to promote democracy in China, died on Thursday at the age of 61 of multiple organ failure.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and enjoys wide-ranging freedoms not granted in mainland China and an independent judiciary under a so-called "one country, two systems" arrangement.

But the abduction by mainland agents of Hong Kong booksellers, and Beijing's efforts to disqualify democratically elected, pro-independence lawmakers in the local legislature, have rattled confidence in that arrangement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Lam acknowledged concerns about certain "individual incidents" in the city, and said it was her duty to accurately reflect them to the central government in Beijing.

"I would say there are worries, there are anxieties, there is a strong perception over individual isolated incidents, but unless you've got evidence to prove there are clear breaches then it will remain at the level of anxieties and perception," Lam said, without elaborating.

Britain called the bookseller incident a "serious breach" of the Joint Declaration - the 1984 treaty that paved the way for Hong Kong's 1997 return to China - and said one of them, Lee Bo, had been removed from Hong Kong "under duress".

Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative assembly for failing to sincerely take the oath of office in a significant blow to the opposition.

Lam said she wouldn't intervene in the case.

Xi took what some saw as an explicitly harder line about Hong Kong's future during his visit marking the 20th anniversary of the financial hub's return from British to Chinese rule.

Xi warned in a speech that any attempt to endanger Chinese sovereignty and security, challenge its power, or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities would be acts that cross "the red line" and are "absolutely impermissible".

Lam, however, pledged to stand up for Hong Kong's core values if they were undermined, and stand by the people of Hong Kong in protecting their rights.

Hong Kong was also promised universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim" but Beijing has so far resisted granting a direct vote for a city leader with open nominations of candidates.

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's "one country, two systems arrangement" has come under considerable strain, as the city's opposition forces have agitated for full democracy and railed against creeping Chinese interference in various sectors including business, politics, media, law and education.

The 60-year-old Lam, a devout Catholic, has said she hopes to lead Hong Kong "towards new glory" in the next five years and to heal unprecedented social divisions that have continued to fester since the massive 2014 pro-democracy Occupy protests that blocked major roads in Hong Kong for 79 days.

For an interactive graphic on Hong Kong public opinion poll, click http://fingfx.thomsonreuters.com/gfx/rngs/HONGKONG-POLL/010020KY1EB/index.html</s>related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

2 related media assets (image or videos) available. Click to see the gallery.

Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

HONG KONG: Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam said on Friday she shares the compassion of people over the death of Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo and acknowledged "anxieties" about "incidents" in the former British colony.

Lam was speaking in her first interview with the international media since she was sworn in as the city's new leader by Chinese President Xi Jinping on July 1.

"Hong Kong people are always very compassionate and so I share that compassion of many Hong Kong people by sending my condolence to the wife and the family of Mr. Liu," said Lam.

Liu Xiaobo, who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2010 for his efforts to promote democracy in China, died on Thursday at the age of 61 of multiple organ failure.

Hong Kong, a former British colony, returned to Chinese rule in 1997 and enjoys wide-ranging freedoms not granted in mainland China and an independent judiciary under a so-called "one country, two systems" arrangement.

But the abduction by mainland agents of Hong Kong booksellers, and Beijing's efforts to disqualify democratically elected, pro-independence lawmakers in the local legislature, have rattled confidence in that arrangement.

In a wide-ranging interview, Lam acknowledged concerns about certain "individual incidents" in the city, and said it was her duty to accurately reflect them to the central government in Beijing.

"I would say there are worries, there are anxieties, there is a strong perception over individual isolated incidents, but unless you've got evidence to prove there are clear breaches then it will remain at the level of anxieties and perception," Lam said, without elaborating.

Britain called the bookseller incident a "serious breach" of the Joint Declaration - the 1984 treaty that paved the way for Hong Kong's 1997 return to China - and said one of them, Lee Bo, had been removed from Hong Kong "under duress".

Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative assembly for failing to sincerely take the oath of office in a significant blow to the opposition.

Lam said she wouldn't intervene in the case.

Xi took what some saw as an explicitly harder line about Hong Kong's future during his visit marking the 20th anniversary of the financial hub's return from British to Chinese rule.

Xi warned in a speech that any attempt to endanger Chinese sovereignty and security, challenge its power, or use Hong Kong to carry out infiltration and sabotage activities would be acts that cross "the red line" and are "absolutely impermissible".

Lam, however, pledged to stand up for Hong Kong's core values if they were undermined, and stand by the people of Hong Kong in protecting their rights.

Hong Kong was also promised universal suffrage as an "ultimate aim" but Beijing has so far resisted granting a direct vote for a city leader with open nominations of candidates.

Over the past two decades, Hong Kong's "one country, two systems arrangement" has come under considerable strain, as the city's opposition forces have agitated for full democracy and railed against creeping Chinese interference in various sectors including business, politics, media, law and education.

The 60-year-old Lam, a devout Catholic, has said she hopes to lead Hong Kong "towards new glory" in the next five years and to heal unprecedented social divisions that have continued to fester since the massive 2014 pro-democracy Occupy protests that blocked major roads in Hong Kong for 79 days.

For an interactive graphic on Hong Kong public opinion poll, click tmsnrt.rs/299O0cu</s>The four legislators in question -- Nathan Law, Lau Siu Lai, Edward Yiu and Leung Kwok-hung, known among locals as "Long Hair" -- were elected to the Hong Kong Legislative Council, known locally as LegCo, last year.

All four used their oaths of office to protest attempts by Beijing to exert more control over internal affairs in Hong Kong, which has been an increasing concern of citizens in the city since the Chinese took control 20 years ago.

Though part of China, Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region that enjoys far more freedom than cities in the mainland.

But locals worry that China is clamping down on this bustling metropolis of more than 7 million, violating the governing principle of "one country, two systems."

All four disqualified lawmakers were involved in the Occupy movement of 2014, when thousands took to the streets to demand democratic reforms --- including the unsuccessful demand that the city's leader, the Chief Executive, be directly elected by the people of Hong Kong. Democracy activists had hoped the more subdued swearing-in protest meant the lawmakers wouldn't be penalized. Their ejection robs the pro-democracy movement of its majority in the portion of Hong Kong's legislature that's democratically elected (some seats are appointed), and its ability to wield veto power over some key legislation. That effectively changes the balance of power in the entire legislature, according to Antony Dapiran, a Hong Kong-based lawyer and author who's just written a book about dissent in the city. "It's pretty bad for rule of law in Hong Kong when you see the courts being used to kick out democratic lawmakers like this," Dapiran told CNN. "Hong Kong can no longer pretend to (be) any kind of democracy." Demosisto, the political party which counts Law and activist Joshua Wong among its members, called the decision the "worst assault on our democracy." "More than 180,000 voters had their voices silenced in the legislative body. Demosisto condemns the manifest interference of the Beijing government to cripple Hong Kong's legislative power," the group said in a statement. "In light of manipulation of election results by Beijing, it is more important than ever for Hong Kong to stay strong and firm against the autocracy." About 2.2 million people voted in the September 2016 elections, according to the Electoral Affairs Commission, with a turnout of 58% -- up from 53% in 2012. Hong Kong does not allow postal voting or early voting. Hong Kong votes: Is this the world's weirdest election? Law -- at 23, the youngest person ever elected to be elected to LegCo -- Lau, Yiu and Leung vowed to appeal any decision to remove them from office. Six lawmakers used their oaths of office to protest Chinese authoritarianism last year. Two lawmakers who are advocates of Hong Kong's independence from China -- Yau Wai-ching and Sixtus "Baggio" Leung -- were ousted after swearing and insulting China during their oaths. Baggio Leung wears a flag reading "Hong Kong is not China" during his oath-taking ceremony While Law, Yau, Yiu and Leung's oaths were initially accepted by the LegCo president, Yau and Baggio Leung's were not. The pair was due to retake their oaths, but Hong Kong government officials sued to prevent them being sworn-in again, arguing they had forgone their opportunity. Before the court could rule, the Chinese central government employed its rarely-used power to re-interpret Hong Kong's constitution to bar Yau and Leung from being sworn in. That decision opened the door for Beijing to use the courts to influence Hong Kong's elections, using minor infractions as a way to eliminate opposition lawmakers, said Dapiran.

"It effectively created a new law from scratch, instituting new legal requirements that weren't there before," he said. "Beijing is effectively dictating who is allowed to run and who is allowed to be elected, and that's no longer a democracy."</s>HONG KONG: Hong Kong's high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislative assembly after it invalidated their oaths of office.

The former British colony, which became a Chinese territory 20 years ago under a "one country, two systems" arrangement, is guaranteed a wide range of freedoms not enjoyed in China, including a direct vote for half of the 70-seat legislature.

But activists say the city government's efforts in disqualifying democratically elected lawmakers is a direct assault to those freedoms.</s>Hong Kong’s high court on Friday removed four opposition lawmakers from the city’s legislative assembly after it invalidated their oaths of office. A former British colony, Hong Kong became a Chinese territory 20 years ago under a “one country, two systems” arrangement that guaranteed a wide range of freedoms not enjoyed in China, including a direct vote for half of the 70-seat legislature. But activists say the city government’s effort in disqualifying democratically elected lawmakers is a direct assault on those freedoms.

Hong Kong’s newly-elected chief executive, Carrie Lam, who has vowed to build a stronger relationship with the opposition, said she would not intervene in the case, however. “Building bridges still has to be done in a lawful way,” she told Reuters in an interview. “I don’t think this chief executive, or any government official, should compromise on the rule of law just because we want to be friendly. But I’m sure the judicial process will go on.”

Hong Kong lawmakers Nathan Law, Lau Siu-lai, Leung Kwok-hung and Edward Yiu added words to their oaths, read slowly or changed their tone of voice to express “a doubt on, or disrespect of, the status of the People’s Republic of China as a legitimate sovereign of the Hong Kong Special Adminisitrative Region,” the court said in a summary of its ruling.

For all the latest World News, download Indian Express App</s>Hong Kong's high-court has ruled in favor of expelling four opposition lawmakers from the city's legislature in a case that critics say calls the territory's independence into question.

Prominent opposition figure "Long Hair" Leung Kwok-hung, who was sworn in last October, is among the lawmakers ordered removed by the Court of First Instance for modifying the oath of office. He was accused of adding words to his oath and for reciting the oath in a tone that "expressed a doubt on or disrespect of the status of the [People's Republic of China] as a legitimate sovereign of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region," according to the court. Nathan Law Kwun-chung, Lau Siu-lai and Edward Yiu Chung-yim also lost their seats in the Hong Kong Legislature.

Two other opposition lawmakers had previously been expelled.

The South China Morning Post writes that the latest expulsions have "wide implications on the bargaining power of the democratic bloc" in the legislature. "This could give the pro-Beijing camp a chance to change the lawmaking body's game rules, making their rivals unable to filibuster contentious bills," the Post writes.

The removal of the four legislators comes barely two weeks after the territory marked the 20th anniversary of the end of a century and a half of British rule.

At the time of Hong Kong's handover to Beijing in 1997, London had sought to build in some elements of democratic rule, including a partially-elected legislature and the eventual open election of the territory's leader. However, China has gradually asserted more authority in the governance of the territory.

At the anniversary of the handover earlier this month, Chinese leader Xi Jinping warned Hong Kong residents not to cross a "red line" by challenging Beijing's authority.

Xi's remarks followed a crackdown on dissent that began with the quashing of pro-democracy protests in 2014, and last month authorities in Hong Kong charged nine involved in leading the mass protests known as the Umbrella Movement.
Four lawmakers are removed from the Hong Kong legislature.