BANGKOK (Reuters) - Pro-democracy lawmakers and pro-Beijing MPs broke up in Hong Kong's parliament on Wednesday during heated debate over a proposed extradition law that would strengthen Beijing's powers on the island.
The deputies exchanged soap and saw the parliament hall in a hand fight, injuring a pro-democracy deputy named Gary Van and was transferred to a clinic for treatment.
The former British colony is trying to put in place laws allowing extradition of wanted criminals, including foreigners, from Hong Kong to other countries, including China, which are not covered by the city's current extradition treaties.
More than 130,000 people marched to the Hong Kong parliament two weeks ago to demand the repeal of proposed extradition laws in a move some fear may jeopardize fundamental freedoms in the city.
Opponents of the proposed laws fear further curtailment of rights and legal protections in the autonomous financial center, freedoms that were guaranteed when China took over the city from British colonial rule in 1997.