In June 2020, Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong’s mini-constitution – bypassing the local legislature – following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts, which were broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers, alarming democrats, civil society groups and trade partners, as such laws have been used broadly to silence and punish dissidents in China. However, the authorities say it has restored stability and peace to the city.
LATEST NEWS & VIEWS
Hong Kong Bar Association urges against blanket ban on overseas lawyers in national security law cases
“In so far as public perception is concerned, we believe that it will be conducive to the administration of justice and the rule of law,” Victor Dawes, who was re-elected as chairperson of the Hong Kong Bar Association on Thursday, said.
Not one of 8,625 complaints against Hong Kong judiciary upheld in 2022
The judiciary’s annual report said defendants in District Court waited almost a year to have their cases dealt with.
HKFP GUIDES AND EXPLAINERS
COMMENTARY & ANALYSIS
Beijing’s ruling on foreign lawyers: A blow to Hong Kong’s legal system
“When changing fundamental laws for reasons of expediency becomes the norm, an astonishingly damaging blow is delivered to the legal system,” writes Steve Vines.
Beijing’s ruling on foreign lawyers: Interpretation will help bolster Hong Kong’s national security
Interpreting the national security law to clarify the original intent and purpose “is entirely justified, necessary, and timely,” writes lawmaker Adrian Ho.
FEATURES
Explainer: Beijing’s first interpretation of Hong Kong’s national security law
Beijing’s first interpretation of the national security law confirmed that authority over whether foreign lawyers could be hired for national security cases lay with the chief executive and a powerful committee. Here’s how we got here, and what it might mean for future trials.
Baptist University professor leaves Hong Kong after police allegedly contacted over 2019 protest article
Arts professor Justin Wong’s article analysed the role that visual elements – such as yellow umbrellas, “V for Vendetta” masks and a pig mascot – played in the 2019 protests.
Who is Cardinal Joseph Zen? Hong Kong’s turbulent priest preaches love amid legal woes
Supporters of Cardinal Joseph Zen, 90, say he speaks out when other members of the church hierarchy stay silent. The government says religion was not a factor in his arrest under the national security law.