Is Hong Kong’s autonomy dead?
Critics fear proposed security law will erode civil liberties and freedoms that make city distinct from mainland China.
On Thursday, May 28 at 19:30 GMT:
With China expected to expand its authority over Hong Kong, what will become of the city’s pro-democracy movement? New security laws could formally base mainland authorities and intelligence services in Hong Kong. The proposal by Beijing is seen as a response to last year’s demonstrations against a controversial extradition bill.
China’s proposed law targets subversive activities, terrorism, secession and foreign interference in Hong Kong. The National People’s Congress is anticipated to finalise the law before its annual session ends on Thursday.
Activists and demonstrators have been defying both public protest restrictions and COVID-19 restrictions by gathering outdoors to rally against Beijing. A similar security law was proposed by the Hong Kong government in 2003, but was eventually halted after about half a million residents protested the measure.
Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the law would not change rights, freedoms or their independent judiciary system in the former British colony. Opponents disagree. In this episode, we’ll discuss the future of Hong Kong and hear how the city’s residents are responding.
On this episode of The Stream, we speak with:
Einar Tangen, @EhTangen
Political and economic commentator
Isabella Steger, @stegersaurus
Asia deputy editor at Quartz
qz.com
Wilson Leung, @WilsonLeungWS
Human rights lawyer
Read more:
HK police fire tear gas at rally against proposed security law – Al Jazeera
HK security law must be imposed ‘without slightest delay’: China – Al Jazeera