Hong Kong National Security Law

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A 24 year old is found guilty of terrorism and inciting secession, became the first person convicted under Hong Kong’s national security law.

About Hong Kong national security law.

The National Security Law was passed by China on June 30 last year before the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s transfer from Britain.
It was titled ‘The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’.
It was unanimously passed by the Chinese government and immediately made a part of Hong Kong’s legal system.
Crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces are punishable by a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Those found guilty will not be allowed to stand for public office.
Companies can be fined if convicted under the law.
Beijing will establish a new security office in Hong Kong, with its own law enforcement personnel – neither of which would come under the local authority’s jurisdiction.
This office can send some cases to be tried in mainland China – but Beijing has said it will only have that power over a “tiny number” of cases.
In addition, Hong Kong will have to establish its own national security commission to enforce the laws, with a Beijing-appointed adviser.
Hong Kong’s chief executive will have the power to appoint judges to hear national security cases, raising fears about judicial autonomy.
China will have power over how the law should be interpreted, not any Hong Kong judicial or policy body. If the law conflicts with any Hong Kong law, the Beijing law takes priority.
Some trials will be heard behind closed doors.
People suspected of breaking the law can be wire-tapped and put under surveillance.
Management of foreign non-governmental organisations and news agencies will be strengthened.
The law will also apply to non-permanent residents and people from outside [Hong Kong].who are not permanent residents of Hong Kong.
It criminalises any act of:
- secession – breaking away from the country.
- subversion – undermining the power or authority of the central government.
- terrorism – using violence or intimidation against people.
- collusion with foreign or external forces.
Punishment: Life imprisonment is the maximum punishment for all offences and can be followed by lesser penalties.