Some demonstrations broke out in violence between the police and the demonstrators. (File)
Hong Kong:
Hong Kong released additional details on China’s new national security law for the former British colony on Monday, saying the security forces had the compelling power to enter and search for evidence and prevent people from leaving. the city.
Hong Kong returned to China on July 1, 1997, on a “one country, two systems” basis, guaranteeing broad autonomy and freedoms not enjoyed on the continent, including an independent judiciary.
But under new Chinese law, crimes of secession and sedition will be punished with life imprisonment, fueling concerns of a much more authoritarian era in a city that has been rocked by anti-government protests. Chinese over the past year.
While authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have insisted that the law will only target a minority of what they call “troublemakers”, diplomats, business groups and rights activists said it was the latest example of Beijing’s tightening grip on the city.
Beijing has imposed legislation on Hong Kong, a major financial and commercial hub, despite protests from Hong Kong and Western nations.
Details of the new legislation indicate that authorities will have the power to enter and search for evidence at the scene. They can also prevent people under investigation from leaving Hong Kong.
It can also allow the confiscation of products linked to any offense endangering national security. It will require foreign and Taiwanese political organizations and agents to provide information on activities relating to Hong Kong.
Critics say law – which punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, up to life imprisonment – aims to crush dissent and wage a long-term campaign for a greater democracy that has drawn a huge crowd to the streets.
Some demonstrations broke out in violence between the police and the demonstrators.
On Monday in London, the Chinese ambassador accused Britain of blatant interference and irresponsible remarks regarding the imposition of the legislation by Beijing.
Britain described the security law as a “clear and serious” violation of the 1984 joint declaration under which it returned its colony to China 13 years later.
Ambassador Liu Xiaoming said there could be many consequences if Britain treated Beijing as an enemy or with suspicion.
“We want to be your friend. We want to be your partner. But if you want to make China a hostile country, you will have to bear the consequences,” he said.
(With the exception of the title, this story was not edited by GalacticGaming staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
