Beijing to set up security office in HK under new law

BEIJING: China on Saturday unveiled details of the controversial new security law for Hong Kong amid international criticism that it will corrode the wide-ranging freedoms enjoyed by residents of the global financial hub.

Details of the new law, as listed by news agency Xinhua, includes setting up of a security office

in Hong Kong to handle crimes against national security.

The local government must establish new institutions to protect national security and allow mainland agencies to operate in the city “when needed”.

Hong Kong’s chief executive, currently the embattled Carrie Lam, will have the power to appoint judges to hear cases related to national security.

According to Xinhua, “For Hong Kong laws that are not in line with this (national security) law, this law’s requirements will apply, and the right to interpret this law lies with the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.”

National security activities would protect human rights and freedom of speech and assembly, it added, without providing details.