HK bans group, citing its separatist views

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said on Monday it has banned a separatist group that advocates "Hong Kong independence".

SAR Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu, who made the decision, said the ban on the "Hong Kong National Party" was in accordance with the Societies Ordinance.

The ban on the HKNP, effective immediately, was made in the interests of national security, public safety, public order and the protection of the rights and freedoms of others, Lee said.