The Youngspiration duo at the centre of the oath-taking controversy have said that Beijing’s decision to discuss intervening in the row was the action of “thugs.”
The oaths Sixtus “Baggio” Leung Chun-hang and Yau Wai-ching took in the legislature last month were deemed derogatory and an insult to China by some, triggering a legal challenge by the government. On Friday, Beijing made preparations to interpret sections of Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, related to pledging loyalty to China.
Yau said the government has used public money to suppress them, at the cost of destroying the rule of law and the separation of powers.
“When Beijing has the advantage, a political issue is handled using the law, such as protesters being arrested during the Umbrella Revolution. But when Beijing does not have the advantage, a legal issue is handled using political means,” she said.
She said the court has the ability to resolve the case, but the interpretation is comin before the ruling is yet to be handed down.
‘Rule of man’
“Hong Kong’s independent judiciary has died – China replaced the rule of law with the rule of man, constantly threatening Hong Kong people, the actions of a so-called great country are equal to those of thugs,” she said.
Yau dismissed claims that their actions triggered the Basic Law interpretation: “Protests similar to the oath-taking incident should have been done 30 years ago – when Hong Kong’s power was at its peak – to say no to the Chinese Communist Party.”
“[Political figures at the time] addressed the issue of Hong Kong’s sovereignty and constitution carelessly, so that the Chinese Communist Party muddled through. Now we only tried to turn the tide with determined Hong Kong people, to fix the mistake committed at the time,” she said.
Leung said Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and Zhang Dejiang, chairman of the National People’s Congress, are the “traitors of Hong Kong” and they shall bear full responsibility.
“We, the Hong Kong nation, must have them pay the price,” he said.
“We understand the helplessness felt by the Hong Kong people, but I have never heard of a nation getting its freedom and democracy… without uncountable suppression and resistance to be freed from slavery. We must fight on, because we are the ones who love Hong Kong the most.”
Leung said they will support all protests against the Basic Law interpretation as much as they can, and will not rule out any action.
