The convener of the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party has said he has received documents from the government about a potential ban on his political party.
Andy Chan Ho-tin told HKFP that police officers went to his home on Tuesday morning to hand him a set of documents asking him to answer some questions. Chan said the papers listed many of his past activities, including speeches he made and rallies he attended in Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Update: Hong Kong pro-independence party faces ban in 21 days, in toughest move yet against movement
He said the documents stated that the police had suggested to the security secretary that the party should be banned from operating using the Societies Ordinance on the grounds of national and public security. Such a ban would be the toughest move yet against the pro-independence movement.
However, Chan said the party has never tried to register as a society with the police.
Under the Societies Ordinance, the Societies Officer may recommend that the security secretary prohibit a society “in the interests of national security or public safety, public order or the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.”
See also: National Party founder Andy Chan says party ‘unmasked’ Hong Kong’s political reality
Asked about whether the move was related to recent reports in pro-Beijing newspapers after they followed him to Taiwan, Chan said he was not certain.
Secretary for Security John Lee will meet the press at noon.
Banned from election
Chan was one of the six people barred from running in the Legislative Council election in 2016 for their political views.
Chan intended to run in the New Territories West constituency as leader of the Hong Kong National Party in 2016. He signed a confirmation form vowing to uphold the Basic Law as required by the electoral office. He was asked by the returning officer if he would maintain his pro-independence position, but Chan did not give a reply.
Chan then received a notice from the returning officer saying that he was barred from standing as a candidate.
He filed an appeal against his failed election petition at the city’s highest court in April.
