Hong Kong version of separate national security law debate draft revealed
Includes aggravated punishment in case of collusion with external forces
The Associated Press reported on the 8th that the draft national security law promoted by the Hong Kong government includes provisions that could result in up to life imprisonment for those who threaten national security.
According to reports, this bill contains provisions to expand the government’s authority to punish those who collude with external forces for the purpose of espionage, expose national secrets, and commit illegal acts. The point is to cooperate with foreign governments or organizations to ensure that those who violate the law are subject to stronger punishment.
Accordingly, those who damage public infrastructure, such as airports or railways, for the purpose of threatening national security and collude with external forces will be subject to imprisonment from 20 years to life.
In the case of sedition, a person is sentenced to 7 years in prison, but if he colludes with external forces to commit incitement, the sentence increases to 10 years.
The broad definition of external forces includes foreign governments, political parties, international organizations, “all external organizations pursuing political objectives,” and even companies influenced by such forces.
Additionally, if you are arrested on charges of violating the National Security Act and released on bail, you may be subject to a ‘movement restriction order’ and may be prohibited from communicating with certain people. Police can also ask the court to extend detention and prevent suspects from consulting with certain lawyers.
In addition, authorities are also given the authority to impose financial sanctions, such as restricting employment and property rental, or blocking economic support. If you are found guilty of violating the National Security Act, your eligibility for a reduced sentence is limited until the authorities are convinced.
The Chinese government directly enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law following large-scale anti-government protests in 2019. However, it has been emphasized that separate legislation should be promoted to reflect crimes of treason and theft of state secrets that are not included in the law.
Accordingly, John Lee, the Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, announced last year that he would push for a separate security law, the so-called ‘Hong Kong version of the national security law’, by this year. A draft of the law related to this was made public through a debate held by members of the National Assembly that day.
Eric Lai, a researcher at Georgetown’s Asia Law Center, said, “(The fear) is becoming a reality,” and said that the parts related to state secrets and collusion with external forces were “overly broad and vague,” the Associated Press reported.
[베이징=뉴시스]
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.