Hong Kong’s only openly-gay lawmaker got into a major fight at the parliament building.
Tensions were high for Hong Kong’s lawmakers as they discussed the potential of China gaining more power over the city.
The extradition law would allow the deportation of accused criminals to countries without a formal extradition agreement, specifically China. Many democracy-driven lawmakers, like Chan, believe this is a thinly veiled attempt to give China more command over Hong Kong and its affairs.
After being released from British colonialization, Hong Kong was returned in China in 1997. That said, the city-state made a deal with China to maintain a “one country two systems” policy. As such, the idea of willingly giving over accused criminals to mainland China threatens to violate that agreement.
Unfortunately, all of that anger sprung out into an all-out fight with Ray Chan at its center.
ICYMI: A fight broke out among Hong Kong lawmakers over a controversial extradition bill opponents fear will reduce Hong Kong's autonomy pic.twitter.com/TQLCiLTM3j
— Bloomberg Quicktake (@Quicktake) May 12, 2019
Lawmakers Come To Blows In Hong Kong #Parliament | #HongKong lawmakers fight a pitched battle in Parliament over a controversial extradition law. Several were left injured pic.twitter.com/P0QhtsXD48
— GoNewsIndia (@GoNews_India) May 11, 2019
“For those who know me, I usually keep a meek composure, practice meditation, prefer non-alcoholic drinks, and treat everyone with respect,” Chan wrote on his Twitter account. “But when an authoritarian state strikes, every fiber of my being turns into a fighter for my constituents,” he said.
BBC explains what happened with few words and in simple English that everyone is able to understand: "A fight broke out in the Hong Kong parliament, over plans that would allow suspects to be sent to mainland China." I add: Gov't told a bunch of lies.https://t.co/kkpjyNPKgt
— Ray Chan (@ray_slowbeat) May 11, 2019
Passing #HongKong's new #extradition law with China means every foreign nationals will be subject to China-style arrest & detention. Once crossing the border, seeing a lawyer or family member is a privilege, not a right. @USCC_GOV raised concern & propose reviewing #USHKPolicyAct https://t.co/aZJbTjfDzQ
— Ray Chan (@ray_slowbeat) May 11, 2019
It appears that one lawmaker was sent away from the fight in a gurney and is now using a sling for his arm.
