CITY SETS UP ANTI-DISSIDENT SNITCH LINE

Hong Kong police on Thursday launched a hotline for reporting behaviour suspected of breaching national security as Chinese authorities continue to crack down on dissent in the territory.

Residents can share intelligence via a range of platforms, including text message, email and WeChat. Tips submitted can include photos and audio or video clips.

Despite assurances that it would only target a “tiny minority,” its wording has outlawed a host of peaceful political stands. The law criminalizes any act deemed to constitute secession, subversion, terrorism or foreign collusion, with those convicted facing anything up to life imprisonment.

The hotline quickly attracted hundreds of comments, with some in favour of the initiative.

Others were more critical, with one comparing it with China's Cultural Revolution in which proving allegiance to the ruling Communist Party meant turning in close friends and family.