Amidst mounting international criticism, Hong Kong has put into effect a new national security law, known as Article 23, despite fears of potential erosion of freedoms and implications for its status as an international financial hub.
The law officially took effect at midnight on Saturday following unanimous approval by Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing lawmakers, who expedited its passage to address perceived national security vulnerabilities.
Chief Executive John Lee hailed the enactment of the law as a pivotal moment, emphasizing its alignment with the directives of the Central Chinese Authorities. Lee underscored Hong Kong’s constitutional obligation to enact such legislation, as mandated by the Basic Law since the city’s handover from the United Kingdom to China in 1997.
A key rationale cited for the law’s implementation was to curb what authorities deem as “black-clad violence,” referencing the massive and occasionally violent pro-democracy demonstrations in 2019, which saw significant unrest and demands for increased autonomy from Beijing.
Notably, a previous attempt to pass Article 23 in 2003 was abandoned following widespread public protests, with half a million people taking to the streets. However, public dissent this time around has been relatively subdued amidst heightened security measures.
