Because of US penalties, YouTube barred Hong Kong’s lone leadership contender John Lee’s account on Wednesday, but Facebook owner Meta said he could keep his account but not use payment services.
The action, which has no influence on his chances of winning office, comes after the United States placed penalties on Lee and other Hong Kong and Chinese officials in 2020, citing their participation in restricting the city’s freedoms under a national security measure Beijing enacted in June of that year.
As Hong Kong’s former security chief and No. 2 official prepares for a leadership election on May 8, Alphabet Inc (GOOGL.O) said it had taken down Lee’s campaign account to comply with US sanction rules.
“Under its terms of service, Google complies with all applicable US sanctions laws and policies. We terminated the Johnlee2022 YouTube channel following a review and in accordance with these regulations “In an email to Reuters, the firm stated.
Separately, Facebook’s parent company, Meta Platforms (FB.O), said that while Lee can maintain “demonetized presences” on Facebook and Instagram, it has taken steps to prohibit him from using payment services. On Wednesday, Lee’s Facebook page was still accessible.
‘BULLYING’
The block, according to Lee, a former deputy police commissioner, will have no effect on his unopposed attempt to rule Hong Kong for the next five years.
“Those so-called sanctions against me are unjust, aggressive, and purposely pushing, in an attempt to make me hesitant. But, as I’ve said before, this irrational behaviour will just confirm my belief that I’m doing the right thing “At a press conference, Lee stated.
“I am sad that I will be unable to access some (social) media (platforms), but this will have no bearing on my election campaign.”
While mainland China’s internet is severely monitored, with access to foreign social media platforms and many news websites restricted, Hong Kong has broader freedoms under the “one country, two systems” agreement signed when the former British colony returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
Beijing, according to critics of the Hong Kong government, is eroding those freedoms, which the authorities dispute.
Lee, who has Beijing’s support, wants to succeed Carrie Lam, the city’s chief executive, who will stand down on June 30 after leading the city through massive anti-government protests and COVID-19.
According to media sources, he is likely to present his policy programme this month.
In order to establish wide support for his candidacy, Lee has enlisted the help of nearly 150 heavyweights, including the city’s richest man, Li Ka-shing, as well as other important businesses and politicians.
Lee, a former career police officer, is anticipated to put security first if he is elected president, having previously advocated for new laws to properly execute Beijing’s vast national security statute.
After major anti-government protests in 2019, authorities in Hong Kong and China claim that law was required to restore stability.
Since 1997, when Hong Kong was reverted to the Chinese administration, it has had four chief executives, each of whom has struggled to reconcile the democratic ambitions of some people with China’s Communist leaders’ agenda.
China has backed all four leaders, who were chosen by an “election commission” made up of Beijing supporters.
