Leaders | Pliant patriots

Hong Kong’s new legislature is a mockery of democracy

And its media are losing any independence

“D EMOCRACY IN Hong Kong is flourishing.” These words, used by the Chinese Communist Party in a recent white paper, suggest a strange definition of democracy. On January 3rd lawmakers newly elected to the territory’s Legislative Council took their oaths. Not since long before China regained control of the former British colony have the body’s members been more pliant. All but one of the 90 councillors are party supporters. China made sure of that.

This article appeared in the Leaders section of the print edition under the headline “Pliant patriots”

Mr Putin will see you now

From the January 8th 2022 edition

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