This archive report was first published on 18 May 2020.
On Monday, May 11, 2020, a heated debate in Hong Kong's legislature turned violent as lawmakers clashed over the leadership of a committee that would consider legislation tightening China's control over the territory.
The scuffle was the second to break out in the legislature this month, following a similar incident on May 8 when lawmakers battled over the leadership of the committee.
At the center of the controversy is Dennis Kwok, a pro-democracy lawmaker who has led the committee for months. Chinese officials and pro-Beijing lawmakers have accused Mr. Kwok of blocking new legislation, including a bill that would criminalize disrespecting the Chinese national anthem.
March of the Volunteers, the Chinese national anthem, was officially adopted in Hong Kong in 1997 when the former British colony returned to Chinese control. However, some residents have never accepted it as their own, often booing loudly when it is played at soccer games and other public events.
The proposed legislation would criminalize such practices, which have become more popular as tensions between the city and Beijing have strained. Those who insult the song could face steep fines or up to three years in prison.
Monday's turmoil broke out as pro-Beijing lawmaker Chan Kin-por prepared to preside over the committee's election for a new leader to replace Mr. Kwok. Pro-democracy lawmakers approached with signs and a black cloth to drape over the speaker's dais in protest, but they were blocked by security guards.
At least four pro-democracy lawmakers were then carried or dragged off the floor of the Legislative Council. Lam Cheuk Ting, a pro-democracy lawmaker, ripped out pages from the legislature's rule book and scattered them into the fray.
Starry Lee, a pro-Beijing lawmaker, was ultimately elected the committee's new chairwoman after many pro-democracy politicians were removed from the chamber.
Mr. Kwok, who was replaced as acting chair, said that the election violated the practices of Hong Kong's legislature.
"Whenever the ‘pro-establishment camp don’t like something, they will do whatever it takes, including breaking the system that we have and the rules that we have," Mr. Kwok said. "The price of freedom is constant vigilance."
