HONG KONG — Hong Kong legislators unanimously passed a new national security law on Tuesday (March 19) that introduces penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years in jail for the theft of state secrets.
HONG KONG — Hong Kong legislators unanimously passed a new national security law on Tuesday that introduces penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years in jail for the theft of state secrets.A view of the Legislative Council chamber with China and Hong Kong flags reflected on the window as the second reading of the Article 23 security law continues, in Hong Kong on March 19, 2024.
But city leader John Lee called it"a historic moment for Hong Kong", adding that the law would come into effect Saturday. The new law punishes dozens of offences under five categories: treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets and espionage, sabotage endangering national security, and external interference.
One of the last-minute amendments added to the law last week empowers Mr Lee and his cabinet to create new offences — to account for"unforeseen circumstances" — punishable by up to seven years in prison.Sanctioned by the United States for his oversight of the crackdown on the protests while he was security chief, Mr Lee has called the law"an effective lock to prevent burglars" as authorities seek to combat"threats posed by external forces".
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