HONG KONG IN FLAME
Footage of chaos on the streets is touring the world, and three million people could head for Europe
The national law was passed in secret on Tuesday, and critics say it is a dangerous denial of human rights.
Hong Kong police yesterday began enforcing a controversial security law and arrested nearly 200 people on charges of violating the new law and illegal assembly. The national law was passed in secret on Tuesday, and critics point out that it is a dangerous denial of human rights and silencing the opposition.
Several thousand protesters gathered in the streets to mark the anniversary of the surrender of Hong Kong to China. On July 1, 1997, Great Britain ceded Hong Kong's sovereignty to China on the condition that certain freedoms be protected for the next 50 years and the "one country, two systems" principle. Under the new law, protests in Hong Kong are banned, and police have the right to arrest anyone carrying a flag, poster or banner demanding Hong Kong autonomy.
No criticism
Police in riot gear stormed a rally on Friday, removing hundreds of protesters by truck, with water cannons and tear gas canisters. More than 180 people were arrested for violating the ban on gatherings, and at least seven for violating security laws, including a man carrying a flag with the slogan "Independence of Hong Kong."
The main violations listed in the security law are separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign countries. They are described very ambiguously and give the authorities great power in using force against activists who criticize the ruling Communist Party. Damage to government buildings is considered an act of subversion and is punishable by life imprisonment, as well as stopping traffic that causes damage to other people or public and private property.
Frightening
"The law is terrible because there are no borders. Activists in Hong Kong, who are accustomed to operating in an environment that largely respects their rights, are now facing a frightening void, ” Sophie Richardson, director of Humans Rights Watch in China, told the NYT .
Beijing now has the power to intervene in national security cases, may in some cases order the trial of defendants in China instead of Hong Kong, the trial may be held behind closed doors, and Beijing authorities have the right to detain national security suspects for up to six months without access. defense counsel or family members.
The National Security Act can also be violated outside the borders of Hong Kong, which means that a person can be arrested upon entering Hong Kong if he or she is suspected of violating the law. There is a danger that the law will be applied retroactively and that the person will be charged with an act committed before the law was passed.
"Delete messages"
Many activists simply fell silent overnight, fearing the dangerous consequences of expressing their opinions. A BBC reporter reporting from China wrote that one source, a lawyer and human rights activist, asked him to delete all messages they exchanged via social media.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said this "draconian law destroys Hong Kong's autonomy." "Paranoia and Beijing's fear of the aspirations of its own people have led to the destruction of the very foundation of the territory's success," Pompeo added.
China responded sharply to criticism from the United States and asked, "What has that got to do with you?" Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam claims the new law will bring stability that was disrupted by last year's protests.
“The Security Act has been considered the most important development in the relationship between the central government and Hong Kong since 1997,” Lam said.
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