John Lee, a former police mob suppressor. is the new Hong Kong executive
On May 8, the BBC reported that John Lee, 64, former head of the Hong Kong Police Security. It has been appointed as the new Hong Kong chief executive, replacing Carrie Lam, who had announced at the start of April that she would not contest the seat.
John Lee celebrates on stage after being elected as Hong Kong’s Chief Executive, in Hong Kong, China, May 8, 2022. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu
John Lee was elected by a small commission filled with mainland government loyalists who supported 1,416 votes and eight opposition and was the only candidate in the race for the Hong Kong chief executive. Many see this as a move by the Chinese government to strengthen its power in Hong Kong.
Although John Lee had the support of mainland China. But it was not particularly popular as he oversaw a crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong in 2019, while a recent popularity poll showed Mr Lee was only 34.8 percent popular.
League of Social Democracy organizes a small protest / AFP
The League of Social Democrats is one of the remaining pro-democracy groups in Hong Kong. Organized a protest with three protesters before the elections. with shouting phrases “Power to the people the right to vote in a referendum now.”
Vanessa Chan, a protester, said it was John Lee’s new role in reducing our civil liberties. Even though we know that this movement of ours will not have any effect. But we don’t want the Hong Kong people to be completely silent.
File photo – Hong Kong protesters in 2019
Hong Kong was returned to China from Britain in 1997 under an agreement that rights such as freedom of assembly and speech would be protected in Hong Kong. These rights are increasingly being eroded. Because the Hong Kong authorities crack down on those who disagree.
Mr. Lee’s strong support for Chinese policy has led to fears that Hong Kong Leaders will lead Hong Kong into an era in which China regulates Hong Kong more tightly.
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