Hong Kong: Law Giving Government More Power to Curb Dissent Passed. Hong Kong's legislature has unanimously approved a new national security law that expands the government's powers to suppress dissent. This law adds to the security measures imposed by Beijing in 2020, following the pro-democracy protests. It allows for the prosecution of citizens for a broad range of offenses deemed threats to national security, with severe penalties including life imprisonment for the gravest charges. Critics argue that this law will further erode the civil liberties once promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The quick passage of the law, driven by a legislature filled with Beijing loyalists, has raised concerns about the diminishing accountability and autonomy of Hong Kong's political system.
Asia Daily: March 19, 2024
Asia Daily: March 19, 2024
Asia Daily: March 19, 2024
Hong Kong: Law Giving Government More Power to Curb Dissent Passed. Hong Kong's legislature has unanimously approved a new national security law that expands the government's powers to suppress dissent. This law adds to the security measures imposed by Beijing in 2020, following the pro-democracy protests. It allows for the prosecution of citizens for a broad range of offenses deemed threats to national security, with severe penalties including life imprisonment for the gravest charges. Critics argue that this law will further erode the civil liberties once promised to Hong Kong when it was handed over from British to Chinese rule in 1997. The quick passage of the law, driven by a legislature filled with Beijing loyalists, has raised concerns about the diminishing accountability and autonomy of Hong Kong's political system.