Hong Kong national security law: police begin to release ex-lawmakers and activists, including Benny Tai, arrested in crackdown a day earlier without charging them
- Authorities contend that the opposition camp’s campaigning for primary elections held last July included plans to ‘paralyse’ and ‘overthrow’ the government
- Tai, who masterminded the contest, says Hong Kong has entered a ‘cold winter’ as he leaves police station
Despite being held for questioning for more than 30 hours, many of the released remained defiant and slammed the crackdown as absurd.
Several said their participation in primary elections last year was the only link to the allegations of subversion and police had failed to produce any evidence of actions or comments that could be construed as breaking the Beijing-imposed law.
01:17
Benny Tai among Hong Kong opposition figures released by police after crackdown
“Hong Kong has entered a cold winter, the wind is strong and cold,” he said. “But I believe many Hongkongers will still use their own way to move forward against the wind. Thank you.”
Tai, who had drafted the “35-plus” strategy, was singled out by both the Office for Safeguarding National Security and Beijing’s liaison office in Hong Kong, which issued statements backing the crackdown on Wednesday.
