Hong Kong Imposes Strict National Security Law, Raising Concerns Over Dissent Crackdown
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Hong Kong introduced a new national security law with strict punishments like life imprisonment for offenses like treason and espionage.
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The law is meant to align Hong Kong more closely with mainland China and crack down on dissent.
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Critics say the law's broad definitions of national security crimes could criminalize political criticism and dissent.
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The law follows a previous Beijing-imposed law in 2020 that has already stifled dissent in Hong Kong.
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The US warned the law risks compounding the 2020 law and curtailing rights and freedoms in Hong Kong.