National security law: those convicted could face life imprisonment as Beijing holds meeting to finalise bill set to be passed imminently

Two sources say law will carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, contrary to earlier indications of a 10-year limit on jail terms

Explanations are given on choice of words that are not identical with Hong Kong’s common law system, one source says

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Beijing has drafted a national security law for Hong Kong. Photo: AFP

Published: 2:07pm, 28 Jun 2020Updated: 1:35am, 29 Jun 2020

Individuals convicted of national security crimes under the new law Beijing is imposing on Hong Kong could face life imprisonment, sources told the Post as China’s top legislative body kicked off a special three-day meeting fast-tracking the bill on Sunday.

The proposed law was a top priority at the National People’s Congress Standing Committee (NPCSC) session on Sunday and was expected to be passed imminently.

Two sources told the Post the contentious legislation being tailor-made for Hong Kong to prevent, stop and punish acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security would carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, contrary to earlier indications of a 10-year limit on jail terms.

The national security law for Hong Kong is expected to come into force as soon as it is gazetted locally. Photo: EPA

On whether the life sentence would apply to all four crimes or be very targeted, a source who was at Sunday’s meeting said: “It will definitely cover more than just secession and subversion. The law is not going to be merely a ‘toothless tiger’.”

The source was one of a handful of delegates from Hong Kong who had sight of the draft of the law, a major point of contention with many in the city decrying the lack of transparency on a piece of legislation with far-reaching consequences.

He said explanations were given on the choice of words that were not identical with Hong Kong’s common law system.