After a month of public consultation, Hong Kong presented a new draft security law on Friday, March 8. The document proposes life imprisonment for offenses including treason and insurrection.
Other crimes, such as inciting a member of the Chinese military forces to mutiny and collaborating with foreign forces to harm or undermine public infrastructure in order to jeopardize national security, will carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.
The proposed 20-year jail term for espionage was in the draft Article 23, whereas offenses involving state secrets were to carry a 10-year penalty.
Prior to becoming law, the proposal must undergo a thorough examination by lawmakers throughout many rounds of discussion.
Better National Security Protection
On Thursday, March 7, Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee stressed the need to pass the bill quickly in light of the increasingly complicated geopolitical background.
He stated: "The means taken to endanger national security can come in many different forms and the threat can emerge all of a sudden." He also pointed out that quicker legislative work means better national security protection.
According to the official WeChat account of China's Ministry of National Security earlier this week, the proposed law is essential for Hong Kong to carry out its constitutional obligation to protect mainland security.
Public consultation results revealed overwhelming support for the measure, with 98.6% of opinions in favor, as per a government statement.
Possibility of Suppressing Opposition
In a report by CNBC, numerous pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong were arrested when a contentious legislation was enforced by Beijing four years ago, stifling criticism. China's 2020 national security legislation sought to outlaw terrorism, foreign meddling, secession, and the undermining of state authority.
Meanwhile, the United States Department of State voiced its concerns on Article 23 in late February regarding the potential repression of dissent in Hong Kong by means of the threat of arrest and detention.
