In a speech to Reuters, the European Union stated in a diplomatic note that it had “grave concerns” about the government’s “external interference” and its extra-territorial reach.
However, some right provisions were made in the document Bill.
The Bill reads,” Animal rights are to be respected and protected, the rights and freedoms, including the rights of conversation, of the media, and of publication, and the rights of organization are to be protected.”
Foreign diplomats and companies are closely monitoring the situation because they fear it will further erode freedoms in the economic hotspot. Hong Kong government have quickly followed the Bill, which was made public nine weeks after a one-month conversation ended.
” The fact that they are passing article 23 raises concerns about public opposition. Without guard rails protecting personal freedom, the business area will be angry, according to Andrew Collier, managing director at Hong Kong-based Orient Capital Research, according to Reuters.
The broad definitions of crimes, especially those relating to foreign meddling and collaboration, may show challenging to businesses, according to Simon Young, a law professor at the University of Hong Kong.
According to Young,” It’s possible that businesses or organizations that have ties to foreign governments fall under the radar as an “external force.”
QUESTIONS ABOUT FREEDOM
Hong Kong has long been a hub for China and the region’s businesses, academics, and advertising, but in recent years critics claim that the rule of law and freedom of information have been undermined.
Officials from Hong Kong and China have claimed that the review was necessary to close “loopholes” in the national security system because it resembled laws in some European nations.
Another law passed instantly by China, which at the time claimed it was aimed at restoring balance following pro-democracy protests a month earlier, bolstered that government in 2020.
The Hong Kong Bill debate coincides with China’s top lawmakers ‘ decision to pass a number of new national security laws to protect the continent’s sovereign interests.
In contrast to the current 48 hours, the Hong Kong Bill proposed expanding police confinement for those arrested without demand for up to 14 times with the approval of a magistrate and possibly limited access to professionals.
For crimes committed in cooperation with foreign forces, sentences for sedition have been increased from two to ten years. This is defined as inciting disaffection or hatred toward authorities through acts, words, or publications.
Insurrection had previously been called for down by critics, including internet advocacy groups, who pointed out how it might be used to stifle freedom of expression and the media.
The Bill recommends a maximum sentence of three years, up from a time, for possessing a forbidden publication, and police have the authority to search any premises in order to capture and kill it.
According to some attorneys, the definition of state secrets also appears to be quite large, encompassing information about China’s and Hong Kong’s governments ‘ relations, including defense, security, and political secrets as well as labeled social, economic, and technological information.