Hong Kong commenced a public consultation concerning a local National Security Law on Tuesday, marking a significant progression more than three years post the imposition of a similar law by Beijing, which notably restricted dissent in the semi-autonomous city.

The proposed legislation might afford the administration broader authority to prosecute inhabitants for transgressions such as colluding with foreign entities to sway legislation or disseminating deceptive assertions, and to disband civil society entities. Certain clauses even expand the potential for criminal prosecution to transgressions committed on a global scale, as per the Associated Press.

 

Although Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, mandates the introduction of a national security law, decades of public resistance have hindered its implementation due to apprehensions regarding the erosion of civil liberties. In 2003, an endeavor to enact the law triggered widespread demonstrations, with a multitude of individuals expressing their dissent, eventually resulting in the shelving of the legislation.

 

However, the recent crackdown on political dissension within the city sets the groundwork for the bill to pass with ease. Since 2020, numerous pro-democracy activists have been apprehended, silenced, or coerced to flee the city. Several civil society organizations have been disbanded, and vocal media outlets like Apple Daily and Stand News have been compelled to cease operations.

Although the draft legislation will be formulated based on input garnered from the public consultation, the city has disclosed a comprehensive 110-page dossier elucidating its legislative objectives.

 

City leader John Lee referred to the legislation as a “constitutional obligation.” “We mustn’t procrastinate any further,” he asserted during a press briefing. “The threats to national security are tangible. We have endured these threats. We have suffered greatly from them,” the AP report further detailed.

 

Both the Hong Kong and Beijing administrations have lauded the efficacy of the previous National Security Law in reinstating stability subsequent to the extensive pro-democracy protests in 2019.

 

Lee highlighted the necessity for a local rendition to safeguard Hong Kong against “potential subversion” and “subversive activities,” particularly lingering notions advocating for Hong Kong’s autonomy.