RTWed, 01 Jul 2020 10:01 UTC
© Hong Kong Police/TwitterHong Kong independence flag
A man holding a Hong Kong independence flag became the first person to be detained under a new law introduced by China. As protests over the legislation gain foreign support, Beijing said other nations should stop interfering.
Hong Kong Police tweeted that the man was arrested for holding the independence flag in Causeway Bay, "violating #NationalSecurityLaw," and added that
it was the first arrest made since the law has come into force.
The national security law came into effect last night, after it was introduced by China's government in late May. It has been endorsed by Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam, who said it is "necessary and timely" to maintain stability in the semi-autonomous territory, which has seen regular protests since March 2019, following the introduction of an extradition bill, and has since evolved into anti-government demonstrations.
Under the new rules, those found guilty of crimes of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces may face life in prison. Protesters and several countries have opposed the bill, saying it threatens Hong Kong's status under the 'one country, two systems' arrangement with China that has been in place since 1997, when Britain handed over administration to Beijing.
The protests are heavily backed by the West and, following criticism of the new law by the US, UK, and others, China has urged other countries to stay out of its affairs. Foreign Ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian said on Wednesday that Beijing will not allow foreign interference in its domestic affairs.
Comment: The new national security law handed down from Beijing to restore order was
neither welcomed, nor embraced by Hong Kong. Tensions escalated as the crowds and police clashed:
As thousands took to the streets things quickly got out of hand, with police deploying water cannons, tear gas, and pepper spray against the crowds.
More than 300 people were detained, at least nine of them for violating the national security law. One man was filmed crying on the pavement, apparently after being knocked to the ground during the scuffles, while another was seen being held down by security forces.
See also:
China passes Hong Kong security law, will go into force July 1
Comment: The new national security law handed down from Beijing to restore order was neither welcomed, nor embraced by Hong Kong. Tensions escalated as the crowds and police clashed: See also: China passes Hong Kong security law, will go into force July 1