Why are Chinese lawyers defending Hong Kong activists losing their licenses?

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Chinese Lawyers Defending Hong Kong Activists Face License Revocation Amidst Increased Scrutiny

Two Chinese lawyers involved in the defence of individuals from Hong Kong attempting to flee the territory have had their licenses revoked. Ren Quanniu, who was representing one of the "Hong Kong 12" democracy activists, received notice from the Henan Provincial Department of Justice regarding the revocation of his legal practice rights. This follows a similar action against Lu Siwei, another lawyer involved in the same case, who had his license stripped last month. Both Ren and Lu believe their involvement in defending the "Hong Kong 12" was the direct cause for the authorities' decision to disbar them.
Revocation Tied to Previous Legal Cases and Perceived Disruptions

Ren Quanniu's license revocation stemmed from a hearing concerning a 2018 case where he represented a member of the Falun Gong. The Henan Provincial Department of Justice cited that Ren had "disrupted the normal order of criminal proceedings" and was "severely damaging the image of the lawyer industry and causing a negative impact on society." Ren has contested these accusations, deeming them groundless and expressing concern about the state of China's legal system if such circumstances can lead to license cancellation. He suggested that lawyers referencing law and facts in court might face future risks.
"Hong Kong 12" Case Identified as a Trigger

The group of 12 activists attempted to leave Hong Kong by boat in August, following the imposition of a national security law by China. Some of these individuals were already facing prosecution for alleged offences connected to the 2019 pro-democracy protests. Ren and Lu have explicitly stated that their representation of these "Hong Kong 12" defendants was the catalyst for the loss of their legal credentials. This sentiment is echoed by advocacy groups, which note that human rights lawyers in China are experiencing intensified efforts by authorities to disbar them.
Broader Trend of Rights Lawyers Losing Licenses

The disbarment of Ren Quanniu and Lu Siwei is part of a wider pattern observed in China. Chinese Human Rights Defenders has indicated a renewed zeal by authorities to debar lawyers who represent government critics and persecuted activists. In recent years, over a dozen Chinese rights lawyers have had their licenses cancelled or revoked, which activists interpret as a deliberate measure by the authorities to silence legal opposition. Both Ren and Lu also faced challenges in accessing their clients and had their appointments by the defendants' families unrecognised by the authorities.

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Why are Chinese lawyers defending Hong Kong activists losing their licenses?

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