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The meaning of Hong Kong’s new anti-protest laws

Hong Kong’s new security laws cover activities under vaguely defined crimes to protect “national security”. This includes secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. 


Previously protected speech is targeted, and many tactics used by protestors last year, mirroring measures used in China against the political opposition. Chinese agents can operate in Hong Kong and be immune to local laws, and a new police department in charge of national security cases will have greater authority to demand information, as well as other powers such a s searching homes and electronic devices without a warrant. It also allows for trials without juries and ‘closed trials’ in case of leaks of “state secrets”. 


At the time of writing, 370 protestors have been arrested due to these new laws while protesting the new laws. The police fired teargas, pepper spray and water cannons at them. 


Johnson responded saying it is a clear violation of Hong Kong’s treaty with Britain. The government has granted citizens 5 years leave to remain in Britain, ‘with the right to work or study’. After five years, they can apply for settle status and a year later, citizenship. 


This is a clear violation of many human rights, as well as showing the division between Hong Kong and China decreasing. 


Written by Anna Male

Media by Ben Hyland



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