The former British colony says security forces have overriding authority to enter and search properties for evidence and stop people from leaving the city
Riot police hold up a warning flag during a demonstration against China's new national security law, in a mall, in Hong Kong, on July 6, 2020.Hong Kong released additional details of China’s new national security law for the former British colony on Monday, saying security forces had overriding authority to enter and search properties for evidence and stop people from leaving the city.
But under China’s new legislation, crimes of secession and sedition will be punishable by up to life in prison, stoking concerns of a much more authoritarian era in a city which has been racked by anti-China protests for the past year.While Beijing and Hong Kong authorities have insisted the law will only target a minority of what they call “troublemakers,” diplomats, business groups and rights activists have said it is the latest example of Beijing’s tightening grip on the city.
The details of the new legislation stated that authorities will have the power to enter and search places for evidence. They can also restrict people under investigation from leaving Hong Kong. Critics say the law – which punishes crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces with up to life in prison – is aimed at crushing dissent and a long-running campaign for greater democracy which has drawn huge crowds on to the streets.In London on Monday, the Chinese ambassador accused Britain of gross interference and making irresponsible remarks over Beijing’s imposition of the legislation.
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