Hong Kong police use new law to detain protesters on march
A MAN carrying a pro-independence flag today became the first person to be arrested under Hong Kong’s controversial new security law as police detained dozens of activists taking part in an annual pro-democracy march.
Another veteran pro-democracy campaigner was reportedly pulled down from a podium by officers, while other protesters were seen grimacing with pain after being pepper sprayed during the police crackdown.
Black placards displaying the message “oppose the bad national security law” were displayed by some.
The clashes came as the first arrest under China’s new National Security Law was announced by Hong Kong police in a tweet which said the man had been held in the Causeway Bay shopping district. Photos of the flag and the apparent suspect wearing a T-shirt with the message “Free Hong Kong” were included in the tweet.
The new legislation came into force late last night and mandates sentences ranging up to life in prison for acts deemed to amount to secession, subversion, terrorism or collusion with foreign forces.
Chanting slogans or waving banners and flags supporting independence are among the actions prohibited, as well as damaging public transport or other state infrastructure in a change designed to target pro-democracy campaigners seeking to preserve Hong Kong’s special status within China.
Today, however, a crowd of protesters defiantly took to the streets for the annual march to commemorate the 23rd anniversary of the handover of power in Hong Kong from Britain to China. It had been banned by the authorities and police displayed a large banner warning the activists that they faced arrest and prosecution because of their actions.
Officers also used tear gas, pepper spray and water cannon to disperse campaigners who have accused China of reneging on the promise it gave that Hong Kong’s freedoms would be protected for at least 50 years.
In response, Hong Kong’s leader Carrie Lam defended the legislation today, saying that it was “the most important development” for the territory since it was returned to Chinese control.
Following a flag-raising ceremony and the playing of China’s national anthem, she added: “This decision was necessary and timely to maintain Hong Kong’s stability.”
China confirmed that suspects arrested under the security law could be extradited to the mainland.
The new legislation has been condemned by the US, which has moved to remove the special status that it previously accorded Hong Kong, Britain, and other Western governments, as well as human rights groups.
There are fears it could be used to target anyone who has said anything that might be deemed an offence anywhere in the world if they ever visit China or Hong Kong. The law also allows Beijing to establish its own security office in Hong Kong and to use its own law enforcement personnel.
Critics say it effectively ends the “one country, two systems” framework agreed at the handover.
This decision was necessary and timely to protect Hong Kong’s stability Carrie Lam, Hong Kong leader