Posted 3/19/2024, 11:35:02 AM
Hong Kong Passes Controversial National Security Laws Despite Public Resistance
- Hong Kong passed national security laws proposed by Beijing, despite decades of public resistance
- The laws grant authorities more power to crack down on opposition and dissent
- Offenses like "external interference" and stealing state secrets now carry penalties like life imprisonment
- The laws could have a chilling effect on businesses, civil servants, journalists, academics, etc.
- Hong Kong leader John Lee said the laws are needed to fight unrest and alleged Western spying