Hong Kong’s new pro-China parliament has passed a repressive law in less than two weeks, allegedly to combat espionage, but in fact to suppress and repress supporters of an “independent Hong Kong”.
Hong Kong’s parliament, now made up of members loyal to China, has passed a new law in less than two weeks that provides for penalties of up to life imprisonment for “foreign interference,” rebellion, treason and espionage.
Beijing issued a “national security” law for Hong Kong in 2020, leading to the final defeat of the once powerful protest movement in the city. Dozens of people were arrested at the time and a climate of widespread fear was established in the city, according to residents.
The new law, according to Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee, is needed to protect against “potential sabotage and undercurrents trying to sow sedition,” and especially against “ideas of an independent Hong Kong.”
Hong Kong people expect a new, but already large-scale wave of repression and political prisoners from the new law, especially since the new criminal articles in the law are extremely vague.
