Govt Actions Could Hurt HK's Image, Warns Lawmaker

Civic Party leader Alvin Yeung said on Friday that Hong Kong's reputation as a place with rule of law is at stake, after reports said some 30 local protesters are seeking asylum in Taiwan.

The Chinese newspaper Apple Daily reported that 30 protesters who stormed into Legco on July 1 have arrived in Taiwan and sought refuge – and another 30 people are planning to do the same.

Radio Free Asia also reported that Taiwan charities are taking care of around 10 protesters on the island, and that the authorities there would assist Hong Kong residents who feel persecuted if they receive relevant applications.

Yeung, who's also a barrister, said while he isn't too knowledgeable about the immigration and refugee laws in Taiwan, he feels this sends out a warning about the rue of law in Hong Kong.

"If any person from Hong Kong seeks asylum and gets it granted from other governments, the implications of such could be an indication that the international community could not trust Hong Kong's legal system," he said.

The lawmaker said in there have been cases recently where the government used "arguably controversial charges" against people who took part in political agitations.

"I have to warn the Hong Kong government, if they are so caring about Hong Kong's reputation, especially the rule of law reputation, the best way is to solve it [the ongoing agitation] politically," he said.

Yeung told RTHK's Candice Wong that the international community is closely watching the developments in Hong Kong and the way government proceeds against the protesters.