A demonstration in Hong Kong, July 1, 2020. -

Vincent Yu / AP / SIPA

A teacher accused of promoting independence in his classes has been struck off in Hong Kong.

This is the first time that the Office in charge of education has withdrawn a teaching license because of the content of the courses provided.

The measure was welcomed on Tuesday by the head of the city-state executive.

"We must continue to eliminate black sheep from the education sector," Carrie Lam, leader of Hong Kong, told reporters.

Messages that "dirty the country"

Carrie Lam accuses this "very small fraction of teachers" of using their office to "promote a misunderstanding of the nation, to smear the country and the Hong Kong government, without any foundation."

According to the Education Office, the teacher who worked in an elementary school was struck off for "deliberately spreading pro-independence messages".

In 2019, an article published by a pro-Beijing newspaper about this elementary school showed photos of a questionnaire that the media said encouraged independence.

Two of the questions asked were: “What is freedom of expression?

And "What would become of Hong Kong without freedom of expression?"

".

Beijing tightens the screws on educational programs

After months of huge and sometimes violent protests, education is under scrutiny by the Hong Kong administration.

Many young people took part in the protests, demanding greater autonomy for the territory.

At the end of June, the Chinese central power imposed a new law prohibiting calls for independence and any “subversive” political opinion.

Books found to violate the new law have been removed from the shelves of city libraries and schools.

Beijing also called for a more patriotic education.

Carrie Lam's government is considering revising parts of the school curriculum, accused of being the source of discontent with China.

World

Thirty-nine countries call on China to respect Uyghur rights

World

Hong Kong: Very strong police mobilization for Chinese National Day

  • World

  • Demonstration

  • Hong Kong

  • Teacher

  • Independence