Hong Kong's last major opposition party disbands amid Chinese pressure

2 days ago

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Hong Kong's last major opposition party, the Democratic Party (DP), disbanded after a vote by its members.
The DP was founded in 1994 and was a key opposition force advocating for democratic reforms and freedoms.
The disbandment follows years of pressure from Chinese authorities, including warnings of severe consequences if the party continued.
China's national security law, enacted in 2020, has been used to suppress dissent, leading to arrests and the closure of opposition groups and media.
The DP's dissolution came after Hong Kong's 'patriots only' legislative election and ahead of a verdict in the trial of media mogul Jimmy Lai.
Senior DP members have been jailed or detained under the national security law.
Critics, including the US and UK governments, argue the law stifles dissent and freedoms, while China claims it has restored stability to Hong Kong.

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