Hong Kong Police Uncover Plan to Bomb Public Facilities

Nine people arrested on suspicion of terrorist activities . . . 

On Monday, Hong Kong police arrested nine people suspected of planning bombings throughout the city. Six of those arrested were secondary school students, and all have been identified as members of Returning Valiant, a revolutionary group that advocates for an independent Hong Kong. Steve Li, the Senior Superintendent of Hong Kong’s Police National Security Department, said there was evidence that the group had rented space in a hostel to make an unstable explosive. He also said the group had made plans to leave Hong Kong after the planned bombings.

Chief Executive calls for teens to be monitored . . .

Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam released a statement on Tuesday encouraging teachers and parents to report teenagers that have broken the law. She said it was wrong to seek justice using illegal means and encouraged government departments to prevent the dissemination of illegal ideas. Since the national security law was enacted last year, at least 21 pro-democracy groups have disbanded. However, there are reports that at least three new groups have formed with the intent of testing the security law and discovering its limits. These groups primarily comprise students in their late teens and early 20s who seem optimistic about staying on the right side of the law while continuing their pro-democracy campaigns. However, others claim it is naïve to believe Beijing will ignore any opposition to its rule in Hong Kong.

National security law spills into politics . . .

Several pro-democracy political parties have also disbanded since the implementation of the national security law. A wave of Democratic politicians has also quit the Legislative Council to protest the disqualification of four democratic councillors. Dozens of pro-democracy district councillors also resigned last Thursday after learning the government will implement a new mandatory oath of allegiance to the Beijing government. Even those who take the oath might be disqualified if they have committed any acts that could be deemed “unpatriotic.” This news suggests that the Legislative Council elections in September may face minimal democratic opposition. A recent survey claims that 69 million adults in Hong Kong and China are considering immigrating to Canada due to its political stability, strong education system, career opportunities, and health-care system.

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