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#LegCo #DQ #NoElection #ProvisionalCouncil #BeijingIntervention

Pro-democracy Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Raymond Chan Lean on Leaving LegCo to Denounce Beijing's Political Arrangement: Consensus Via Polls

Part 1/3

While the Hong Kong government, backed by Beijing, postponed the #LegCo Election for a year, it has sparked intense debate among citizens whether incumbent pro-democracy legislators should stay for an extension of the Sixth Legislative Council under the current "arrangement" approved by Beijing.

The Democracy Camp Caucus had released a statement on Monday, stating that the "majority" of legislators lean towards staying for the extension. But Raymond Chan of People Power and Eddie Chu of Council Front have made an opposite stance, advocating for the pro-democracy camp to boycott the upcoming "Provisional Legislative Council".

Chu had stated in an interview that he believes that the CCP intends to make the pro-democracy camp "painlessly accept their political appointments" while destroying the results of the pro-democracy primaries. He stated that this is the second time since 1997 for Hong Kong to have an appointed parliament, that as Beijing is changing Hong Kong society through the National Security Law and other laws, pro-democracy legislators have a single chance and the responsibility to make a strong political stance.

As to rumours regarding Chu's earlier supposed stance of staying, Chu declined to comment on the issue, while emphasising that he wished for there to be a "trustworthy platform" for the pro-democracy camp to decide whether to leave or stay.

Chan explained that leaving sends the message of opposing Chief Executive Carrie Lam's decision to delay the elections using the epidemic as an excuse and the NPC's decision, stating that, "The NPC represents Beijing's wishes, not the will of Hongkongers." He wished the pro-democracy camp could "come and go together", but stated that "it's okay if they can't manage it."

Chu and Chan met with journalists separately on Tuesday, accepting interviews to explain their stance. Chu stated the pro-democracy primaries were an important milestone, that for pro-democracy supporters, winners of the primaries "were supposed to enter the Legislative Council". He continued that as the spotlight fell upon the four disqualified councillors and their extension of service as Beijing announced their decision to extend the Sixth Legislative Council, "it made everyone ignore the heart of the problem: that this is a de facto appointment of service", stating that the pro-democracy camp's decision to accept the "appointment" would mean sabotaging the primaries results.

Chu stated that Beijing is "altering" Hong Kong society after the establishment of the National Security Law, arresting Jimmy Lai and Agnes Chow, while giving the Legislative Council preferential treatment, "as if they are welcoming us in open arms", making him more vigilant, as the Legislative Council is one of the few places the pro-democracy camp could publicly protest the government's political decision.

Continue Reading
Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24385

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24386

Source: Stand News #Aug18
#EddieChu #RayChan
#LegCo #DQ #NoElection #ProvisionalCouncil #BeijingIntervention

Pro-democracy Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Raymond Chan Lean on Leaving LegCo to Denounce Beijing's Political Arrangement

Part 2/3
Eddie Chu: Actively Attempting to Initiate Discussions

There had been recent rumours regarding pro-democracy lawmaker Eddie Chu's earlier stance of staying in the Legislative Council.

Chu denied the rumours twice during the interview, emphasising his efforts at initiating discussions on all sides and establishing a trustworthy platform for deciding the pro-democracy camp's place in the Legislative Council, stating that his previous stances "isn't important".

Chu emphasised that he was not attempting to sabotage the unity of the pro-democracy camp, instead stating that Beijing's decision to "appoint" the Legislative Council was the true sabotager.

He called for pro-democracy legislators and legislative candidates that won the primaries to form a "working platform" in the following two weeks for them to explain their stance, and to hold a trustworthy poll "to show the public opinion for all to see". He stated that this could make the pro-democracy legislators' actions have legitimacy whether or not they decide to leave or stay while undoing the CCP's sabotage.

But since Chu had expressed his stance on boycotting the "Provisional Legislative Council", and several pro-democratic parties' supposed stance of staying, debates sparked as to their decisions, with opinions for boycotting the extension of the Legislative Council bombarding pro-democratic legislators. Sunny Cheung, seen by many to be an ally of Chu, stated that "If the pan-democracy camp continues to be stubborn, they would be the ones who sabotage the democracy movement,"; simultaneously in Chu's declaratory article, he stated that was the pro-democracy camp to ignore the lack of public authorisation and chose to stay, they would reduce to "political retainers of the CCP who lack dignity".

When confronted with the possibility of the condemning damaging the prospects of reaching a consensus, Chu compared the situation during the primaries. "Condemnations are common," stating that while emotional attacks are meaningless, politicians should not be afraid of "such squabblings", as "many more negatives would arise" if people avoided discussions.

Despite his current stance, Chu believed that staying has its advantages, but stated that some Hongkongers had coursed away from full parliamentary resistance from last year, "Don't think that you can block one evil law at a time. When the situation becomes dire enough, people won't care, or may even welcome even worse situations."

Continue Reading Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24386

Source: Stand News #Aug18
#EddieChu #RayChan
#LegCo #DQ #NoElection #ProvisionalCouncil #BeijingIntervention

Pro-democracy Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Raymond Chan Lean on Leaving LegCo to Denounce Beijing's Political Arrangement

Part 3/3

Wishing Legislators Would Prove Their Decisions With Action, Raymond Chan: "Hadn't Done Their Best Last Year."

Pro-democracy lawmaker Raymond Chan, of People Power, agreed that the pro-democracy camp should decide with a referendum or a poll, stating that legislators should not stay without public authorisation.

"Although a lack of elections means a lack of public authorisation, they should only be allowed to stay if the public supports their decision." He continued that although he and
Pro-democracy lawmaker
Eddie Chu had suggested random polls around Hong Kong, not many people within the pro-democracy camp found interest with the suggestion.

When confronted with the dilemma of whether those who choose to stay could use to "Provisional Legislative Council"s power well", Chan expressed his concern, as he "[doesn't] know whether they are up to the task". He stated that he did not believe in denigrations from some members of the public, such as accusations that claimed "greediness" as the reason behind their stay. But he stated that those who lean towards staying should prove their decisions with actions, not repeating mantras such as "fight 'til the end".

Chan emphasised that he had no intention of leaving people out to die or state that "only by fighting or landing in prison would it justify their purpose". But he recalled that some legislators had not "did their best" during their term, "even the pro-Beijing camp has better attendance, more speeches, and more votes." He agreed with Wu Chi-wai, chairman of the Democratic Party's opinion that having the opposition in the parliament could delay new "evil laws", but continued to emphasise the importance of proving their decisions with action, saying that, "If you're sitting there only to give speeches and vote "objection" or "abstain", I don't believe that supporters would accept this."

Addressing the fear of losing the right to speak once legislators leave the Legislative Council, Chan stated that it depends on the people for the resistance to survive, that people could have very high recognition despite not being in the Legislative Council, such as some YouTubers or key opinion leaders. He continued that no matter when people suggest a mass resignation would there be opinions against the decision, believing that staying in the Legislative Council has its advantages.

Chan also called for pro-democracy camp members who lean towards staying to listen to public opinion before making their decision or risk a more intense emotional backlash, stating that, "People would respect you or feel disappointed if you leave when they have voted for you to stay; but if you stubbornly refuse to leave when the people called for it, you attract hatred."

Source: Stand News #Aug18
#EddieChu #RayChan

Read the 3-part Series on Democracy Front's Debates on Whether Incumbent Pro-dem Lawmakers shall Serve in Extended Term Under Beijing's LegCo Arrangement:

Part 1:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24384

Part 2:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24385

Part 3:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/24386
#HongKongProtest
Pro-democracy Legislator Chants Protest Slogans to Support Detained Activist; Police Deployed

1625 | Kwun Tong
Pro-democracy legislator Ray Chan of People Power continued the "anti-pandemic booth" originally run by fellow activist Tam Tak-chi, who has been arrested by the police for sedition on Sept 6, 2020.

Tam was still held in custody as the court rejected bail. The prosecution alleged that the pro-democracy protest slogans, including the familiar "Five Demands, Not One Less", chanted by Tam were "seditious".

If the court rejects bail again coming Thursday (Sept 17, 2020), Tam will face detention at least until November.

Before joining People Power, Chan and Tam used to work together as a TV and radio host duo, nicknamed 'Slow Beat' and 'Fast Beat' respectively.

At the booth run by Chan on Sumday, Sept 13, police were deployed.

Source: Cohesion Kowloon; Apple Daily #Sept13

#TamTakChi #RayChan #PoliceState #Sedition
#PoliticalPersecution
#Court Refuses Bail and Detains HK's Pro-democracy Activist Charged with 'Sedition' Without Trial

Pro-democracy activist 'Fast Beat' Tam Tak-chi, vice-chairperson of People Power, will remain in custody for at least 2 months, as the court rejected his bail application on Sept 17, 2020.

Tam was arrested by the police on Sept 6, 2020 and charged with "sedition" for chanting familar protest slogans including "Five Demands Not One Less".

Legislator Ray Chan, chairperson of People Power, described it as a political persecution: The government and the police force are using their power and the law to jail Tam before a trial can take place, in order to intimidate the rest of the population. Chan cited former US president Franklin D. Roosevelt: "Only thing we have to fear is fear itself". Chan said, "We are not afraid, we'll go on to express ourselves and do what Hongkongers deem right".

Erica Yuen Lai-ming, former chairperson of People Power, also supported Tam in court. She emphasized that Tam did nothing illegal and thst the authorities are oppressing those who are outspoken about their views. She questioned the supposed damage Tam had caused, to an extent where a bail was not granted.

Former legislator 'Long Hair' Leung Kwok-hung and district councilor Tsang Kin-shing also voiced their support for Tam on site.

Source: InMedia #Sept17
https://bit.ly/32zGfa6

#TamTakChi #RayChan #EricaYuen #PeoplePower
#FranklinRoosevelt
#PoliticalOppression #RulebyLaw #Sedition
#ProvisionalCouncil
Hong Kong's Pro-democracy Legislators Refused to Have their Term Extended by Beijing

Hong Kong's pro-democracy legislators Chu Hoi-dick and Ray Chan filed an official letter to the Legislative Council's Secretariat that they refuse to have their current tern be extended into the new legislative year without an election.

Editor's note: After the HKSAR government cancelled the legislative election originally scheduled in Sept 2020, the authorities in Beijing has asked the current legislature to be extended until the next election will take place in at least one year.

Source: InMedia #Sept28
https://bit.ly/3jaZnBa

#RayChan #ChuHoiDick #Legco #LegcoElection #boycott
#Breaking #MassArrests
HK Police Arrest At Least 7 Incumbent and Former Lawmakers

On the early morning of Nov 1, 2020, Hong Kong police arrested pro-democracy activists and former lawmakers Ray Chan and Chu Hoi-dick.

Meanwhile, at least 5 incumbent lawmakers including Fernando Cheung, Kwok Wing-kin and Democratic Party's Wu Chi-wai, Wan Siu-kin and Wong Bik-wan were also arrested, reportedly for contempt and obstructing the duty of #LegCo staff

According to the administraor of Chu's facebook page, the arrest was reportedly connected to a Legislative Council meeting that involved Beijing loyalist Starry Lee on May 8, 2020.

[Editor's note: Chan and Chu were elected lawmakers. They refused to carry out the "extended" term according to the Chinese Communist Party's decision, after the Hong Kong government cancelled the Legislative Election which was originally scheduled on Sept 6, 2020.]

Source: InMedia; Apple Daily; Commercial Radio #Nov1

#RayChan #ChuHoiDick #PoliticalOppression #PoliceState
#Injustice #Court
HK's Department of Justice Cancels Private Prosecution Launched by Pro-dem Ray Chan Chi-chuen: 'No Evidence is Offered'

Ray Chan Chi-chuen, the chairman of People Power and a former pro-democracy lawmaker, was dragged on the floor by the pro-Beijing lawmaker Kwok Wai-keung of the Federation of Trade Union, during the House Committee meeting on May 8, 2020 at the Legislative Council.

Chan subsequently initiated a private prosecution against Kwok. Chan said in his Facebook post on November 6, 2020 that he was notified by the Department of Justice (#DoJ) that the authorities would step in and discontinue the private prosecution against Kwok as 'no evidence is offered' in the case.

Source: Stand News #Nov6

#RuleofLaw #PrivateProsecution #RayChan #KwokWaiKeung #Discrimination
#Breaking #Arrests
Police Arrest Pro-democracy Activists and Former Lawmakers Ray Chan, Chu Hoi-dick and Ted Hui

According to the Facebook pages of #RayChan, #ChuHoiDick and #TedHui, the three pro-democracy activists were arrested by the police at their homes on the morning of November 18, 2020.

The case was reportedly connected to the legislative council (#LegCo) meeting on June 4, 2020, where the three then-lawmakers protested against the third reading of the National Anthem Bill.

The police accused Hui of breaching the Legislative Council (Powers and Privileges) Ordinance Cap.382 with the charge of comtempt, as he spilled smelly liquid on the floor of the chamber and "caused the LegCo chair to feel disturbed and mentally distressed".

Chan and Chu resigned from the LegCo in Oct, as they refused to let the term be extended by the CCP without an election; Hui joined the recent mass resignation.

Source: Ray Chan's Facebook; Eddie Chu's Facebook; Ted Hui's Facebook #Nov18

#NationalAnthemLaw #PoliceState
#PoliceState #FailedState
Hong Kong Police Closes a Case Involving the Attack of a Pro-dem Lawmaker by a Beijing Loyalist


Ray Chan Chi-chuen, a former pro-democracy lawmaker and current chair of People Power, received a letter from the Hong Kong Police Force, stating that the private prosecution filed by Chan was terminated due to "the lack of evidence".

Chan launched a complaint against a pro-Beijing lawmaker who had imposed violence on Chan in the Legislative Council. The incident was captured in a video.

See photo:
https://t.me/guardiansofhongkong/26534

Source: Ray Chan's Facebook #Nov16
https://www.facebook.com/chanchichuen/photos/a.581965515183313/3585157068197461/?type=3

#RayChan #KwokWaiKeung
Hong Kong Pro-democracy Activist #RayChan Gets Married in Face of #PoliticalProsecution

Activist and former legislator Ray CHAN Chi-chuen is one of the 47 pro-democracy figures who were charged over national security violations for participating in the Primary Election of the pro-democracy camp in July 2020.

In face of political prosection, Chan, while on bail, decided to get married. Chan thanked his partner for supporting him during his arrests, trials, and detention.

The ceremony took place in Hong Kong on December 15, 2021. Since Hong Kong's law does not recognise same sex marriage and Chan's passport has been confiscated by the authorities, Chan and his partner registered their marriage virtually in Utah of the United States.

Chan is the first #LGBTQ legislator in Hong Kong. He has been detained for half a year before his bail was granted in September 2021.

Source: Stand News #Dec16
https://thestandnews.page.link/LQ5BCkoEfqDpFsFm7

#Save47 #PoliticalProsecution #Pride #SameSexMarriage