Beijing dissolves Hong Kong's Democratic Party, ending a pro-democracy force

Hong Kong's Democratic Party has dissolved itself, marking the end of a significant pro-democracy force in the city. This action follows years of increasing pressure from Beijing. The party cited stricter security laws and manipulated parliamentary rules imposed by the Chinese Communist Party as reasons for its dissolution. Their core aim was for the city's leader to be chosen through open elections, a goal now seemingly unattainable. This development comes just before the sentencing of media mogul Jimmy Lai, who faces charges of sedition and conspiracy. Lai's case and the dissolution of the Democratic Party highlight the diminishing space for dissent in Hong Kong.