The Hong Kong government has unveiled a new national security law with harsh penalties for offences such as treason and sedition. The draft bill, 212 pages long, includes new laws on treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets, and sedition. Sentences for treason could result in life imprisonment, while sedition could lead to up to seven years in prison.
The Chief Executive, John Lee, has urged the quick passage of the bill to protect national security and allow Hong Kong to focus on economic development and stability. The legislative process began after a public consultation process involving over 13,000 submissions, with the majority expressing support for the legislation.
The bill is expected to pass easily in the Legislative Council, which is dominated by pro-Beijing candidates. Beijing imposed a national security law on Hong Kong in 2020, leading to arrests, media closures, and exile for pro-democracy figures. The new bill expands on these restrictions, raising concerns from human rights groups about the erosion of freedoms in the territory.