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Books removed from public libraries will be reviewed and evaluated for violations of the new law.
Hong Kong’s new security law prohibits attempts to divide the state, attempt to overthrow the government, or carry out terrorist activities. Violation of the new law can lead to life in prison.
The Chinese opposition says Hong Kong’s security law removes any of Hong Kong’s privileged positions and autonomy within China, but Beijing opposes it.
Hong Kong was handed over to China in 1997 by Great Britain. At the time of the transfer, some rights had been agreed for at least 50 years, and an “one country, two systems” agreement had been reached.
The new security law went into effect on Tuesday. Since then, even several members of the democratic movement have withdrawn from office. One of them, Nathan Law, even left Hong Kong.
Since the law came into force, at least 9 books have become inaccessible in Hong Kong’s public libraries. According to the South China Morning Post, they are “currently under review.” The authors and co-authors of such books include Joshua Wong, an activist in the democratic movement, and Tanya Chan, a pro-democratic politician.
On Saturday, Wong announced on his Twitter account that the new law in Hong Kong would allow the “censorship regime” that exists in the rest of China, and said he was only one step away from a true book ban.
Beijing disagrees with criticism of the new law, saying it is necessary to stop the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong that started in 2019, during which clashes erupted between the police and protesters.
China has also rejected Western concerns about Hong Kong’s security law, saying it is interfering in the country’s internal affairs.
In Hong Kong, fear and uncertainty.
After Hong Kong’s surrender to China, some political freedoms were promised for at least 50 years. Freedoms include freedom of expression, freedom of assembly, and an independent legal system. For many Hong Kong residents, the security law symbolizes the premature end of these freedoms.
Proponents of the law say it will help restore order after years of protests. But critics point out that the law criminalizes Beijing’s opposition.
The new security law covers many things and allows Beijing to interfere in Hong Kong life, something it has not had the opportunity to do so far.
The removal of political books from public libraries just a week ago was an unimaginable situation. In today’s Hong Kong, business owners have begun to hide the support of protesters for fear that this may be backed by incitement to overthrow the government.
So far, 10 people have been arrested for breaking the law. But fear and uncertainty are spreading at lightning speed. Protesters urge people to go to the protests with blackboards. They fear that the words on the banners could lead to prison.
The new security law covers many things and allows Beijing to interfere in Hong Kong life, something it has not had the opportunity to do so far.
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