The UK, EU and Nato have expressed concern and anger after China passed a controversial security law giving it new powers over Hong Kong.
The law makes secession, subversion of the central government, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces punishable by up to life in prison.
It took effect from 2300 local time (1500 GMT) on Tuesday.
Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam defended the law, saying it filled a “gaping hole” in national security.
One key pro-democracy group said it was now ceasing all operations.
Demosisto announced the move on Facebook after Joshua Wong, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent activists, said he was leaving the group, which he had spearheaded.
The law has come into effect just a day before the 23rd anniversary of the return of sovereignty to China – a day that usually draws large pro-democracy protests.
China says the law is needed to tackle unrest and instability linked to a broadening pro-democracy movement.
Opponents say it undermines the autonomy set out in Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which was agreed when the territory’s sovereignty was returned by the UK in 1997.
Civil liberties such as free speech, the right to protest and an independent and robust judiciary are at risk, they say.
Joshua Wong said the law marked “the end of Hong Kong that the world knew before”.
Source: bbc.com
The post Hong Kong security law: Anger as China’s Xi signs legislation appeared first on The Chronicle Online.
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