Officials say the new legislation fulfils a 'constitutional duty,' but its broadly defined provisions have drawn condemnation from Western countries.
Officials say the new legislation fulfils a "constitutional duty," but its broadly defined provisions have drawn condemnation from Western countries.Lawmakers vote during the second reading of Safeguarding National Security Bill, also referred to as Basic Law Article 23, at the Hong Kong’s Legislative Council, in Hong Kong, March 19, 2024. / Photo: Reuters
The first, imposed by Beijing in 2020 following the quashing of citywide pro-democracy protests, has seen nearly 300 people arrested, civil society groups pressured to disband, and dozens of politicians, activists and other public figures jailed or forced into exile. Working with"external forces" — a broad category that includes governments, foreign businesses and international organisations — in the commission of an offence could add two to three years.
To account for"unforeseen circumstances", Hong Kong's leader and his cabinet are also empowered to create new offences punishable by up to seven years in jail. The law can also be applied to acts committed outside the city by both residents and businesses — something seen in the government's pursuit of overseas pro-democracy activists as"anti-China elements."
On the mainland, China's own national security laws have seen it raid the offices of international consultancies and due diligence firms, arresting several employees at one firm. A new law expanding the mainland's definition of espionage also went into effect last year.
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