In June 2020, Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong’s mini-constitution – bypassing the local legislature – following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts, which were broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers, alarming democrats, civil society groups and trade partners, as such laws have been used broadly to silence and punish dissidents in China. However, the authorities say it has restored stability and peace to the city.
LATEST NEWS & VIEWS
Hong Kong 47: Prosecutors name new ‘co-conspirator,’ who was not arrested or charged, in national security trial
Prosecutors on Monday told a panel of three designated judges that Choy Chak-hung, former chairperson of Kwun Tong District Council, was also involved in a conspiracy to commit subversion in connection with an unofficial legislative primary election held in July 2020.
Hong Kong police make protesters wear numbered tags, carry own cordon line, 100 people max., mask-free
“I am here to join a march, not a shame parade… This is intimidation,” one marcher said. “Now even trying to take a breath of fresh air may endanger national security.”
HKFP GUIDES AND EXPLAINERS
COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS
Hong Kong’s freedom to protest comes back to life… or does it?
“It would be deplorable if citizens were deterred from exercising their rights by legally imaginative bullying from the parts of the government which should be protecting our freedoms. We shall see,” writes Tim Hamlett.
Don’t pretend nothing has changed with Hong Kong’s new rules on foreign lawyers and national security cases
The Justice Department could have argued that the effect of the changes would be very limited and necessary for national security, writes Tim Hamlett. “Instead, we get the ‘nothing is happening’ argument again.”
FEATURES
Explainer: Beijing’s first interpretation of Hong Kong’s national security law
Beijing’s first interpretation of the national security law confirmed that authority over whether foreign lawyers could be hired for national security cases lay with the chief executive and a powerful committee. Here’s how we got here, and what it might mean for future trials.
Baptist University professor leaves Hong Kong after police allegedly contacted over 2019 protest article
Arts professor Justin Wong’s article analysed the role that visual elements – such as yellow umbrellas, “V for Vendetta” masks and a pig mascot – played in the 2019 protests.
Who is Cardinal Joseph Zen? Hong Kong’s turbulent priest preaches love amid legal woes
Supporters of Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90, say he speaks out when other members of the church hierarchy stay silent. The government says religion was not a factor in his arrest under the national security law.