Beijing released an outline of China's recently passed controversial national security law on Hong Kong last night. Critics say the law would threaten Hong Kong's political and civil liberties. And in this semi-autonomous city, China's direct control and vigilance will increase.According to US media CNN, the draft law would allow Beijing to ignore or repeal Hong Kong's existing independent legal system. Analysts say this would further undermine the city's autonomy.
China's state-run Xinhua news agency says the country's top lawmakers are now reviewing the draft law. According to the draft, all cases related to national security will be selected for hearing by judges, with the power to be vested in top Hong Kong officials. And when a criminal case is heard in a Hong Kong court, the mainland security branch will have jurisdiction over cases where national security has been compromised under certain circumstances.The nature of this specific situation is not explained in the draft law, Xinhua reported. However, acts that are considered criminal offenses under the law include separatism, acts that undermine state power, terrorism, and collusion with foreign or domestic forces aimed at endangering national security.
Critics say the law would threaten Hong Kong's political and civil liberties.
Last Saturday, the Chinese news agency added that the national security office in Beijing, which will be located in Hong Kong, would be handed over to local officials. Guide and oversee national security policy making. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong government will form a national security commission there. It will be headed by Carrie Lam, the city's current chief executive. There is a national security to sit in that commission
Beijing will appoint advisers. According to Xinhua, the provisions of the new security law will apply when local laws in the semi-autonomous region are not considered compliant.
Analysts say the law would undermine Hong Kong's judiciary. If the law is finally passed, Beijing will bypass Hong Kong's legislature.In response to the outline, Kerry Lam said the Hong Kong government fully supports the legal steps taken to protect national security. His government is doing necessary preparatory work in this regard.
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