Pro-Beijing Group Applauds Pan-dems' Charges

Pro-Beijing groups have staged two protests on Sunday in support of the police decision to charge 15 prominent pro-democracy figures in Hong Kong.

The groups also asked the government to remove two Civic Party lawmakers from office over recent controversies.

Outside the police headquarters in Wan Chai, 20 members of the pro-Beijing group, Defend Hong Kong Campaign, expressed their support for Saturday's roundup.

Holding up banners and placards, they accused the activists of inciting treason and advocating Hong Kong independence.

The group also praised the force, saying they had shown restraint and professionalism over the past 10 months amid the anti-government protests, during which officers had been subjected to abuse, intimidation and serious injury from people they described as "black-clad thugs".

Another group of demonstrators filed a petition at the government headquarters, demanding that the administration disqualify Civic Party lawmakers Tanya Chan and Dennis Kwok.

The group accused Chan, herself a barrister, of knowingly violated the law by ignoring the public-gathering ban at a bar.

Chan had said it was part of her work as she was speaking to workers from the food and beverage industry in the bar preparing for a press conference.

The group also alleged that Kwok, as the lawmaker presiding over the election of the House Committee chairman, has been filibustering and paralysing the council. They called on the government to prosecute him for misconduct in public office.

Kwok has said he's been doing his job in full accordance of Legco rules, saying anyone trying to intimidate or condemn him over how he's been presiding over committee meetings "will not work" in making him change.