DHAKA: Pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong have disrupted a speech given by a Beijing official explaining voting changes for the territory.

They chanted slogans and held placards accusing Beijing of breaking its promise to allow Hong Kong to choose its leader directly.

On Sunday the Chinese government ruled out open nomination of candidates for the chief executive election in 2017.

The move sparked anger among pro-democracy groups.

The disruption took place as Li Fei, deputy secretary general of China’s National People’s Congress Standing Committee, prepared to address Hong Kong officials.

Agencies reported that as Mr Li approached the lectern, several lawmakers and demonstrators stood up with placards and a banner, chanting, ‘The central government broke its promise, shameless’.

They were eventually escorted out by security guards. Local television reportedly showed police using pepper spray on other protesters who had amassed outside the hall.

Li then continued with his speech, saying any leader who wished ‘Hong Kong will become an independent political entity or will change the country’s socialist system will not have a political future’.

BDST: 1205 HRS, SEP 01, 2014