Hong Kong police have detained two Nepalis for allegedly ‘protesting’ against the nation. They have been identified as Jenny Rai and Rosemary Limbu (both students) and have been arrested since 1st October, 2019 – a day China was observing 70 years of communist success in China.
Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities Hong Kong drawing attention to the matter said the detained are not being permitted visits, even by family members. They have been placed in custody since 36 hours, and urged authorities to treat the detained as per international laws.
They also asked other Nepalis to not involve themselves in such ‘illegal activities’.
Hong Kong has been protesting since June – since the controversial Extradition Bill was introduced. The Bill would allow criminals in Hong Kong to be extradited to mainland China for their legal proceedings – which residents of Hong Kong thought was a breach of their ‘one country, two systems’ rule. The protests eventually broached larger issues including democratic values and civil rights of a citizen of Hong Kong. Although the Bill was officially withdrawn, Hong Kong people have continued their protests.
On 1st October, the day of the 70th anniversary of communist rule in China, large protests were planned and executed. A police officer shot a protester from close range, escalating tension in the city. The protester who was shot is said to be in a stable condition.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam on Friday invoked colonial-era emergency powers – banning face masks from Saturday. Many protesters wear masks to hide their identity due to fears employers could face pressure to take action against them.
The emergency laws that allow authorities to “make any regulations whatsoever” in whatever they deem to be in the public interest.
