Hong Kong – Police have arrested dozens of pro-democracy figures in an investigation into alleged sabotage under National Security Act, Targeting most of the opposition camp leadership in the largest sweep since the legislation was imposed by China six months ago.

Among those arrested in the early hours of Wednesday morning were most of the pro-democracy politicians who sought to run in the city elections. The aborted Legislative Council elections last yearIn addition to other prominent activists and academics. These measures constituted a dramatic escalation in efforts to silence dissent in the global financial center, which it was suffering from. Anti-government street protests for months In 2019.

The arrests, which began around 6 am in the detainees’ homes, are related to Informal primary elections were held last year By the Democratic camp to select candidates before the planned legislative elections, some detainees said on social media. Police declined to comment.

„It’s a blatant attempt to intimidate pro-democracy activists and warn people against engaging in politics and cooperation,” said Emily Lau, who served seven terms as a lawmaker and is a former Democratic Party chief in the city.

The gathering of opposition figures in large numbers indicates Beijing’s determination to crush opposition in the city despite the chorus of international condemnation. The Trump administration has repeatedly criticized China for undermining the partial autonomy of the city through arrests and disqualification of candidates for elections and other measures.