Lawmakers in Hong Kong have unanimously approved a law that threatens life imprisonment for residents who "endanger national security" in the semi-autonomous Chinese city, further clamping down on dissent within the nation and moving closer to Mainland China's style of governing, according to a report.
It expands the government's power to stamp out future challenges to its rule, punishing treason and insurrection, according to the Associated Press.
The "Safeguarding National Security" Bill goes into effect on Saturday.
Article 23 of the bill introduces 39 new national security crimes and was quickly passed in less than two weeks, CNN reported.
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.
The new law comes after Bejing imposed its own security law in 2020 after massive anti-government protests in 2019. But Hong Kong's constitution required a local version also be put into law.
The version that passed expanded on the previous security law.
It requires citizens to report anyone they are aware is committing treason. Failure to report could be penalized by up to 14 years in prison.
The liberties of its citizens have come under increasing pressure as dwindling Western-style freedoms are eliminated.
But Beijing and Hong Kong authorities claim the crackdowns are helping to bring back stability to the financial hub.
Drastic political changes in the once-vibrant political culture has prompted a large number of young professionals and middle-class families to emigrate to Britain, Canada, Taiwan, Australia and the United States.
