HONG KONG CITY - Scuffles broke out between pro-democracy and pro-government legislators in Hong Kong over the leadership of a key committee which could pave the way for a debate on a controversial China national anthem bill.
In chaotic scenes on Monday, pro-democracy legislators charged at security guards surrounding pro-establishment legislator Chan Kin-por, who had taken the chairman's seat in the meeting against procedural objections by the opposition.
One video posted on social media showed Democratic Party Chairman Wu Chi-wai being grappled by the chamber's security personnel, while another showed legislative member Ted Hui being physically carried by at least seven masked personnel out of the hall.
"It's an illegal meeting. I hope you can leave immediately," Hui shouted at Chan.
As the scuffle erupted, Claudia Mo, another independent member of the council, was seen holding up a sign which read, "CCP tramples HK Legislature", referring to the Chinese Communist Party.(FA)