Tien Says He Would Back An Impeachment Motion

Pro-establishment lawmaker Michael Tien says he would have no choice but to support any impeachment motion against pro-democracy lawmakers Tanya Chan and Shiu Ka-chun should the matter be brought before Legco.

Chan, of the Civic Party, and Shiu, who represents the social welfare sector, were among the nine prominent members of the 2014 Occupy Campaign to be found guilty on Tuesday on public nuisance offences. The two legislators were convicted of inciting others to cause a public nuisance, and inciting people to incite others to cause a public nuisance. They face up to seven years in prison.

According to the Basic Law, lawmakers may lose their seats if they’re sentenced to more than one month in jail for a criminal offence and a motion to relieve them of their duties is passed by two-thirds of Legco members present. There are 70 seats in Legco and pan-democrats hold 26 seats.

Tien said he backed the court's ruling.

"I always stand behind our judicial system. If it involves due process where any legislator would have to face Legco's motion of impeachment, I think we should honour it," the Roundtable lawmaker said. "It sends a very strong signal to even our next generation that, for any legislator, you should know what is the law, and when you are breaking the law and the consequences."

In addition to the two lawmakers, those convicted include the Occupy co-founders - Benny Tai, Chan Kin-man and the Reverend Chu Yiu-ming; former student leaders Tommy Cheung and Eason Chung, former legislator Lee Wing-tat, and activist Raphael Wong. They are out on bail until the hearing resumes on Wednesday.

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