Hong Kong national security law: 26 arrests so far, resignation of a foreign judge, and suspension of a middle school pupil mark third month

Justice James Spigelman resigned on September 2, two years ahead of schedule, as a non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal

City’s leader Carrie Lam says the legal system and rule of law are ‘as robust as ever’

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A police officer holds up a purple flag warning anti-government protesters they are violating the national security law. Photo: Felix Wong

Published: 11:34am, 30 Sep 2020Updated: 7:37pm, 5 Oct 2020

This is the third monthly look at how the national security law has impacted Hong Kong. You can read our overviews of the first two months here, and here.

Hong Kong's national security law has sparked controversy, both at home and abroad, since its enactment by Beijing on June 30.

In September alone, the law, which criminalises acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with external forces, triggered the resignation of a top foreign judge in the city’s courts and further criticism from the United Nations, and led to the suspension of a middle school pupil.

Twenty-six people have been arrested under the law, including activist Agnes Chow Ting and media mogul Jimmy Lai Chee-ying, but only one has been charged.

Tong Ying-kit was charged on June 3 with inciting secession and terrorism for allegedly driving a motorcycle into police while holding a flag bearing the protest slogan “Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times”.

Here is a look at developments over the past 30 days.

James Spigelman stepped down from Hong Kong’s highest court on September 2. Photo: Getty Images

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