Plans to enact the bill in 2003 were shelved after mass protests.
Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee, center, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, left, and Secretary for Security Chris Tang, attend a press conference following the passing of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, March 19, 2024.Hong Kong's legislature has unanimously passed a strict security law, 11 days after it was tabled in an unusually fast turnaround.
Article 23 was mandated under Hong Kong’s mini constitution, but plans to enact it in 2003 were shelved after mass protests. This time, Hong Kong's chief executive, John Lee, made it clear the government wanted it passed with "full speed." Authorities in Beijing and Hong Kong have spent the last few years dismantling political opposition and stacking the legislature with only "patriots" loyal to Beijing.
Lawmakers attend a press conference following the passing of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, March 19, 2024.Article 23 also targets new offenses like insurrection and external interference. Lee hailed its passage as a "historic moment," adding that the bill targets "potential sabotage and undercurrents that try to create troubles." Penalties include life sentences.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissentHong Kong’s lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city.
Read more »
Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissentHong Kong’s lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city
Read more »
Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissentHong Kong’s lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city.
Read more »
Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissentHong Kong’s lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city.
Read more »
Hong Kong lawmakers hold special session, nearing vote on law that could further quash dissentHong Kong’s lawmakers met in a special session to resume debate on a proposed national security law Tuesday, paving the way to grant the government more power to quash dissent in the southern Chinese city
Read more »
Hong Kong lawmakers pass new national security law, giving government more power to curb dissentThe legislature passed the Safeguarding National Security Bill during a special session Tuesday.
Read more »