Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam hails ‘timely and essential’ national security law in opening remarks at city’s legal week
- Chief executive says she will continue to back legislation without fear despite continued attacks by foreign governments
- Top judge defends city’s judiciary against suggestions its independence has been compromised by new law
China’s top legislative body, the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, unanimously approved the new law on June 30. It was adopted by the city’s government and took effect at 11pm the same day.
“Since then, law and stability in society have been restored,” Lam said. “Now we have an enhanced system for Hong Kong to accurately and to comprehensively implement the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.
“Despite unjustified attacks by some foreign politicians and governments, I and my government will continue to stand fast to implement the national security law without fear or worry.”
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What you should know about China's new national security law for Hong Kong
The law bans secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security. The maximum penalty for each crime is life imprisonment, although the suggested sentence for some minor offences is less than three years behind bars.
