China lacks right to enact law: Bar Assn.

Beijing/Hong Kong, May 25: China’s proposed new security law to firm up its control over Hong Kong could run into problems in courts, the city’s Bar Association has warned, stressing that Beijing has no legal authority to enact its national security law for the former British colony. In a strongly worded statement, the Hong Kong Bar Association also expressed concern over suggestions that mainland security agencies would be set up to safeguard national security within the city, saying it was “entirely unclear” how that arrangement would comply with Article 22 of the Basic Law, which stipulates that Beijing departments not to local affairs.

A draft bill on establishing and improving the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to safeguard national security was tabled in China’s National People’s Congress on Friday. It is expected to be passed on May 28.

The bill is regarded as a political bombshell for the former British colony as China has decided to bypass local Legislative Council to take control of Hong Kong witnessing mass protests by pro-democracy groups demanding autonomy and freedom from Beijing. interfere in