In Hong Kong, lawmakers unanimously passed a new national security law that further cracks down on dissent and free speech. Article 23 expands the definition of certain offenses and targets treason, insurrection, sabotage, external interference, theft of state secrets and espionage. It also allows for closed-door trials and imposes harsher penalties, including life imprisonment in some cases. The bill’s passage marks a major defeat for pro-democracy activists and critics of Beijing’s tightening grip on Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Passes New Hard-Line National Security Law, Further Aligning Territory with Beijing
