China unveils details of national security law for Hong Kong amid backlash
Source: Reuters
WORLD NEWS JUNE 20, 2020 / 6:39 AM / UPDATED AN HOUR AGO
China unveils details of national security law for Hong Kong amid backlash
Tom Daly, Greg Torode
4 MIN READ
BEIJING/HONG KONG (Reuters) - Beijing unveiled details of its new national security law for Hong Kong on Saturday, paving the way for the most profound change to the citys way of life since it returned to Chinese rule in 1997.
The much-anticipated legislation, which has provoked deep concerns in Washington and Europe, includes a national security office for Hong Kong to collect intelligence and handle crimes against national security, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
It said Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam could also appoint specific judges to hear national security cases, a move likely to unnerve some investors, diplomats and business leaders in the global financial hub.
National security activities would protect human rights and freedom of speech and assembly, it added, without providing details.
China says the draft law is aimed at tackling separatist activity, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, but critics fear it will crush wide-ranging freedoms that are seen as key to Hong Kongs status as a global financial centre.
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