China passed the National Security Law ( NSL ) in 2020 for its territory of Hong Kong, changing the legal and democratic rights of residents there.
The rules outlawed a wide range of dissenting functions after anti-China and pro-democracy protests that had taken over Hong Kong’s roads the year before.
The Beijing and Hong Kong government claimed that the law was necessary to keep the area stable and peaceful.
But critics say it caused” the close of Hong Kong” as it was known, and has repressed free conversation and social criticism.
Additionally, Hong Kong government imposed Article 23 as a second surveillance law this year. This legislation, which was quick- tracked through Hong Kong’s pro- Beijing government in March, covers crime, rebellion and express secrets, and allows for trials to get held behind closed doors.
Read more about the 2020 NSL around.