07 July 2020
The Law Society and Bar Council have expressed alarm at news that China has passed a national security law applicable in Hong Kong
They warned that the crimes of subversion, secession, terrorism and collusion with foreign powers included in the law, are vaguely defined and sentencing provisions are unclear about what constitutes a grave or minor offence. The maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
A Law Society spokesperson said: ‘The law could be used to stem dissent, as well as to arrest and criminally prosecute persons who legally exercise their internationally recognised human rights.’
A Law Society spokesperson said: ‘The law could be used to stem dissent, as well as to arrest and criminally prosecute persons who legally exercise their internationally recognised human rights.’