Beijing unveiled sweeping national security legislation for Hong Kong on Tuesday, symbolically asserting its authority over the city just an hour before the 23rd anniversary of its return to Chinese rule, APA reports citing Reuters.
The law, which took effect from 1500 GMT on June 30, an hour before the handover anniversary, ushers in the most profound changes to Hong Kong’s way of life since it was handed back to China by Britain in 1997 and exacerbating concerns over freedoms in the financial hub.
Under the legislation, mainland security agencies will be based in Hong Kong officially for the first time, with powers that go beyond the city’s local laws, a move expected to unnerve some diplomats, business leaders and human rights groups.
Crimes of secession and sedition will be punishable by up to life in prison, according to the law, stoking concerns it heralds a more authoritarian era in a city which has been wracked by anti-government protests for the past year.
Damaging transport vehicles and equipment would be considered terrorism, according to the legislation, acts that defined some of the more violent anti-government protests.
The law says violators will not be allowed to stand in local polls, a decision expected to rile democracy activists ahead of Legislative Council elections in September.
Details of the much-anticipated law were unveiled on the eve of the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to Chinese rule in 1997, when protesters traditionally take to the streets to air grievances over everything from high property prices to perceived mainland interference in the city.
Authorities banned the rally this year, citing coronavirus, although some activists have pledged to hold a march.
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
ANALYSIS'>
