The European Union has warned that new national security legislation for Hong Kong could have a “significant” impact on the operations of EU offices and Hong Kong’s status as a business centre.
Hong Kong’s lawmakers on Tuesday unanimously passed a new bill just two weeks after it was first introduced, quickly passing a major piece of legislation that critics say further threatens Hong Kong’s freedoms.
The package, known as Article 23, punishes crimes such as treason, sabotage, sedition, theft of state secrets, external interference and espionage with sentences ranging from several years to life in prison.
After the vote, Hong Kong leader John Lee said the law would come into effect on Saturday.
“Today is a historic moment for Hong Kong,” he said on Tuesday.
The European Union also joined the chorus of criticism of the bill. stated in the statement It was concerned about the “potential impact on the rights and freedoms of the people of Hong Kong.”
“This also calls into question Hong Kong’s long-term attractiveness as an international business hub.”
The United Nations earlier said the bill was deeply worrying and could erode fundamental freedoms.
Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: “Despite serious concerns that many of its provisions were inconsistent with international human rights law, such important legislation was passed through the legislature through an expedited process. It is concerning that it was passed in such a hurry.” said in a statement released Tuesday.
The law follows a national security law that China imposed in 2020 following violent street protests a year ago.
A number of democratic activists have been jailed since the law took effect, and the law also triggered sanctions by the United States, including against Mr. Lee and other government officials.
Turk’s statement said the bill’s broad and vague provisions could lead to the “criminalization of a wide range of acts protected by international human rights law, including freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to receive and communicate information.” He said that there is a sex.
“It is a regressive step for the protection of human rights in Hong Kong if it is passed without a thorough deliberation and meaningful consultation process,” he said.
The UK said the bill would affect Hong Kong’s reputation as a cosmopolitan city that respects the rule of law, has independent institutions and protects its people’s freedoms.
Meanwhile, State Department spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters that the United States is “alarmed by what we interpret as broad and vaguely defined provisions” of the law. . Amnesty International rights group called the law “draconian”.
China’s foreign affairs commissioner accused Britain of “hypocrisy and exercising double standards”, citing London’s own national security laws, including one passed last year.
“The UK has made inflammatory and irresponsible comments regarding the situation in Hong Kong…all due to its deep-rooted colonialist and preacher mentality,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
“We call on the UK to set itself straight, face reality and abandon the illusion of continuing colonial influence in Hong Kong.”
China’s State Council Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office said the law would “ensure Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability” and protect the interests of foreign investors, democracy and freedom.
on Reuters
