Pro-democracy Camp Condemns 'indiscriminate Arrests'

The Legislative Council’s pro-democracy camp has condemned the Hong Kong government for conducting what they called “indiscriminate arrests”.

Democratic Party lawmakers Wu Chi-wai, Andrew Wan, and Helena Wong, as well as the Labour Party's Fernando Cheung were arrested on Sunday morning, on charges relating to a chaotic meeting of the legislature’s House Committee on May 8. Former lawmakers Chu Hoi-dick and Ray Chan were also arrested, as was the Labour Party chairman Steven Kwok.

The police later confirmed that seven individuals had been arrested on suspicion of violating the Legislative Council Powers and Privileges Ordinance.

In a statement, the pro-democracy camp said the Powers and Privileges Ordinance was originally meant to protect legislators. The camp said it was ridiculous that the law was now being abused and used as a tool to suppress dissent.

The camp called for the immediate and unconditional release of their arrested colleagues.

The police said the seven are being detained for investigation, and did not rule out making further arrests.