A tug boat pulls a slogan bearing the Chinese characters for “celebrating the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland” across the Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong on July 1. The Law of the People’s Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong SAR was gazetted for promulgation in the city on June 30 and took effect at 11pm that day, hours after President Xi Jinping had signed the law. Photo: Xinhua
Letters | Hong Kong national security law aims to expand Beijing’s rule of fear on the people
What is most frightening is perhaps not the probability of actual prosecution as much as the authorised percolation of the regime – the invasion of the state narrative into all aspects of Hong Kong’s social, academic and political life
Twenty-three years after the handover, Hong Kong is yet again marking a transition in its history — with the national security law being unilaterally passed. Imposed without any consultation in Hong Kong, this legislation is shrouded in vagueness and promises to severely curtail our freedoms.
The national security law has been forced upon us. Any law that is imposed without the support of the people, or at least that of their elected representatives, has no moral legitimacy.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor exhorts Hongkongers not to worry, but we lack the luxury of placing our trust in a judicial system as opaque as China’s. People in Hong Kong are worried, and rightly so. This law grants Beijing carte blanche to legitimise authoritarianism and quell all dissent under the guise of protecting national security by equating efforts toward democratisation with subversion.
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Beijing passes national security law for Hong Kong
Beijing passes national security law for Hong Kong
Proponents of the law say freedom of expression will be maintained, but in a city where young protesters are labelled as “terrorists,” how can the government assure us that mere discussion of democracy will not be framed as incitement to subversion or secession? Given the vagueness of the law, how can one determine what will be considered lawful or unlawful?
Given the ambiguity of the legislation, and the authoritarian regime that is imposing it, the effects of the national security law on speech and academic freedom could be very significant in Hong Kong.
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Beijing’s passage of national security law for Hong Kong draws international criticism
Beijing’s passage of national security law for Hong Kong draws international criticism
What is most frightening is perhaps not the probability of actual prosecution triggered by offences against the national security law as much as the authorised percolation of the regime – the invasion of the state narrative into all aspects of Hong Kong’s social, academic and political life – with perceptible consequences.
By weaponising the Basic Law, the national security law could become the most potent instrument of oppression and subjugation. It is clearly intended to muzzle and disempower Hongkongers and expand Beijing’s rule of fear on the people of this city.
