Hong Kong disqualifies four pro-democracy lawmakers

Four opposition pro-democracy lawmakers in Hong Kong have been disqualified.

This came moments after China’s decision-making body passed a resolution allowing for the disqualification of lawmakers found to have supported the city’s independence.

The new resolution passed by China’s national people’s congress standing committee, says that, lawmakers should be disqualified if they support Hong Kong independence, or ask foreign forces to interfere in the city’s affairs.

It also allows Hong Kong government to directly remove lawmakers without having to approach the courts.

The four unseated lawmakers are Alvin Yeung, Kwok Ka-Ki and Dennis Kwok of the civic party and Kenneth Leung of the professional guild.

They unseated lawmakers were among 12 legislators who were earlier barred from standing in a legislative election before the polls were postponed to next year.