The Hong Kong government’s decision to block a pro-independence activist from standing in upcoming elections has sparked a backlash that underlines the deepening divide over relations with mainland China.
The electoral affairs commission in the semi-autonomous Chinese territory on Saturday ruled that Chan Ho-tin, a 25-year-old campaigner who set up the fringe Hong Kong National Party, could not stand in September’s legislative council elections because of his advocacy of independence.
“There’s no legal basis to exclude me from the election because of my political stance,” Mr Chan told the Financial Times on Sunday. “But if you are against the Chinese Communist party or the Hong Kong government they will try to stop you running.”
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