A key pro-democracy lawmaker and activist, Au Nok-hin, stepped down on Wednesday after China said Hong Kong's primary elections could violate the new controversial national security law.
He announced his withdrawal from primary election duties in a Facebook post, citing risks to his safety, following Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam and Chinese officials' warnings that the elections could mark a violation of the contentious legislation.
"Withdrawal is the only choice (I have, to) ... protect myself and others," Au said in a Facebook post.
The decision was due to the "accusation from the Liaison Office and Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office recently that they were illegal," he wrote. "Even though the democratic camp has emphasized repeatedly that the primary election is legal, the ruling coalition insists on another view which is creating a risk of personal safety."
The primary polls were set up to select candidates to stand in the September elections for the Legislative Council, Hong Kong's governing body.
More about: Hong-Kong
