Hong Kong, China — The Hong Kong government has unveiled a new national security law for the Chinese territory, which includes harsh prison terms for offenses such as treason and longer sentences for acts classified as sedition. Chief Executive John Lee expressed the urgent need for the legislation to be passed quickly. The Safeguarding National Security Bill, as it is officially known, is being debated in the territory’s Legislative Council.
The draft bill, spanning 212 pages, introduces new laws governing treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets, and sedition. Those convicted of treason could face life imprisonment, while those found guilty of espionage may be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison. Additionally, sentences for sedition, which were previously handled under a colonial-era law, have been extended from two to seven years. The law will now cover acts of inciting hatred against the Chinese Communist Party and the country’s socialist system of governance.
Under the proposed legislation, the police will have the authority to detain suspects for up to two weeks before charging them, a significant increase from the current 48-hour limit. Chief Executive John Lee emphasized the importance of expediting the bill’s passage, stating that it would enable the territory to focus on economic development, improving people’s livelihoods, and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.
The release of the draft comes shortly after a month-long public consultation process on the bill concluded. The government received over 13,000 submissions during the consultation, with approximately 98.6% expressing support for the legislation and providing positive feedback. Additionally, the government held consultations with select groups, involving around 3,000 individuals. It is worth noting that Hong Kong has a population of over 7 million people.
Despite concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, it is expected that the bill will face little opposition in the Legislative Council. Pro-Beijing candidates dominated the last elections following changes to electoral rules, which decreased the number of directly-elected seats and restricted participation to those deemed loyal to China. As a result, the Legislative Council currently has no opposition members.
This new legislation follows the imposition of a national security law by Beijing on Hong Kong in 2020. The broadly-worded law bypassed the local legislature and criminalized acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces. Human rights groups have criticized the law for violating the long-held freedoms of the territory, promised by Beijing for at least 50 years after regaining sovereignty in 1997. The law’s implementation has resulted in thousands of arrests, the closure of media outlets and civil society groups, and the forced exile of pro-democracy politicians.
One prominent figure currently facing trial under the national security law is media tycoon Jimmy Lai, the owner of the now-closed Apple Daily tabloid. In 2021, the publication was shut down after police raided its offices, arresting Lai and other staff members, and freezing its assets.
The introduction of the new national security law raises concerns about the future of civil liberties and political dissent in Hong Kong. Critics argue that the legislation further tightens China’s grip on the territory and stifles voices advocating for democracy. This development will undoubtedly have significant implications for Hong Kong’s autonomy and its place in the international community.