Freedom rights in Hong Kong: China's struggle against the Evil

One of the leading heads of the Hong Kong democracy movement must not teach any longer at the University of Hong Kong, and research. The competent governing body of the University decided on Tuesday, the dismissal of the law Professor Benny Tai. He described the step as "the end of academic freedom in Hong Kong". The decision had been forced upon the University by the higher Authorities, wrote Tai on Facebook. Academic institutions in Hong Kong are no longer able to protect their people against outside influence.

Friederike Böge

Political correspondent for East Asia.

The lawyer was advised two weeks ago in the focus of the Chinese leadership, because he had organized primaries for the Pro-democracy camp, to ensure that the Opposition prepares for parliamentary elections in September, only one candidate per constituency. In spite of the threat that participation in the area code against the new "security" law could breach had involved more than 600,000 Hong Kong in mind. The liaison office of the Chinese Central government in Hong Kong had accused Benny Tai as of then, in Hong Kong, a roll-over start.

The research from the University of Hong Kong against Benny Tai, which led to his dismissal, in the past year, as he was convicted of "disturbing public order" and call for the same to 16 months in prison. The Professor has appealed the judgment and was placed on bail.

The charges relate to his role during the umbrella protests of 2014. The enterprising lawyer, had called on the people of Hong Kong under the Motto "Occupy Central" to civil disobedience and sit-ins in the downtown to fight for a more democratic electoral law. From this, the mainly student-supported umbrella movement has developed.

Beijing commented on the dismissal of openly

The academics occupied the University Senate, had spoken out recently against a dismissal Benny Tais. The control panel has now decided otherwise, on the other hand is headed by a Confidant of chief Secretary Carrie Lam, and is largely made up of non-University individuals. Critics see this as proof that the decision was politically motivated, and the academic freedom in Hong Kong threatened. The University rejected the accusation and said it was a "regular and impartial procedure".

several months ago, the Beijing liaison office would not have taken such a development probably, and without a word to note, in order to give the impression of political influence. However, since the adoption of the "security law" is blowing in Hong Kong, a different Wind. The representation of the Central government praised the move as "an act for the punishment of Evil and the promotion of the Good". He was "in line with the will of the people".