Hong Kong Makes First Arrests Under Beijing’s New National Security Law

TOPLINE

Authorities in Hong Kong made the first arrests under the new controversial national security law Wednesday after thousands gathered for an annual pro-democracy rally to mark the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover to China 23 years ago.

KEY FACTS

TANGENT

The new law has had a chilling effect on pro-democracy activism in Hong Kong. Several activist groups have already disbanded as a result of the new laws. According to the New York Times, a Hong Kong museum dedicated to preserving the memory of the 1989 massacre in Tienanmen Square is working to quickly digitize its collection in case authorities come to take their archive.

KEY BACKGROUND

The law lists charges like subversion, secession and terrorism as carrying punishments up to life in prison. Causing damage to public transportation, as was commonly seen during protests last year, could be grounds for a terrorism charge, according to the BBC. The law allows for more serious offenses to be extradited to China to be heard by Chinese courts, drawing comparisons to the extradition bill that kicked off the protests last year that was later withdrawn. China can even waive a trial by jury and restrict access to trials. It also permits Beijing to set up a new security agency in Hong Kong to keep an eye on the enforcement of the new law that is above judicial review or existing Hong Kong laws. The new law also applies to non-Hong Kong residents living abroad, which means foreigners found in violation could be arrested as soon as they step foot in Hong Kong according to the BBC.

FURTHER READING

China Passes Controversial Hong Kong Security Law Meant To Quell Protests (Forbes)