Hong Kong lawmakers resign to press for democracy

Five Hong Kong legislators have resigned to pressure China for democracy in this semiautonomous former British colony.

The lawmakers from the League of Social Democrats and Civic Party signed and held up their resignation letters for photographers Tuesday, then handed them to the secretary of Hong Kong's Legislative Council.

Hong Kong enjoys Western-style civil liberties under Chinese rule but only some direct elections. Its leader is chosen by an 800-member committee and its legislature is half elected, half chosen by interest groups.

The two opposition parties hope to pressure Beijing by having the legislators — one from each of Hong Kong's five electoral districts — resign and fielding candidates in the subsequent special elections as a kind of a referendum on democracy.

Associated Press