The Guardian view on Hong Kong’s new national security law: double the pain

, broad in scope and harsh in penalties, is trampling over basic rights. It first happened four years ago, in response to thethat saw one in four people take to the streets to defend the region’s autonomy and way of life.upon the territory, demolishing any vestiges of its claim to run Hong Kong on a “one country, two systems” basis. That legislation, both vague and sweeping, claims jurisdiction over acts committed by anyone anywhere in the world. It introduced trials without juries.

The new NSL is even more punitive and far reaching: from this weekend, when it takes effect, treason, insurrection and sabotage will be punishable with a life sentence. Jail terms for sedition will rise from, or 10 if the perpetrator is found to have colluded with a foreign force. Detention without charge, currently limited to 48 hours, can be extended to 16 days.

Officials say the new law is needed to “plug loopholes” and prevent a resurgence of the unrest in 2019, which included violence sparked by the police’s use of excessive force. But the new law, pushed through the LegCo, is as much a symbol as a tool, reinforcing the message of Hong Kong’s submission. The Basic Law – the city’s mini-constitution after handover – stated that the city would pass its own national security laws. But the first attempt in 2003that officials gave up.

Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Spring blossom and a prancing poodle: photos of the dayThe Guardian’s picture editors select some of the most powerful photos from around the world
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Marathons, Bluebird and Karol G: photos of the weekendThe Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

‘Multiple frames were likely used’: the royal photo’s telltale signs of editingGuardian’s imaging team identifies 20 anomalies with the picture that may require further inquiry
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Victoria under pressure to mandate reporting of homelessness deathsFormer housing minister and judge join push for reform in wake of Guardian Australia investigation
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Gaza destruction and a hanging piano: photos of the dayThe Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »

Spring festivals and giant heads: photos of the dayThe Guardian’s picture editors select photographs from around the world
Source: GuardianAus - 🏆 1. / 98 Read more »