Paul Wang

At least 370 people arrested in Hong Kong yesterday; several of them are victims of the new law. The US House of Representatives unanimously votes for a law that provides for sanctions on people, companies and banks that undermine Hong Kong's freedom. The criticism of the EU, Australia, Great Britain, Japan. Concerns about the "universal" sovereignty expressed by law.

By 2 pm, hundreds of people had gathered in Causeway Bay and Times Square, eventually becoming thousands at the intersection with Hennessy Road. Some 4,000 police agents in riot gear with water cannons charge the crowd and arrest protesters.

It was voted on in 15 minutes by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Hong Kong people don't know the text. Joshua Wong, Nathan Law and Agnes Chow leave the Demosisto party: they will engage only on a personal level. It is reasonable "to fear for one's life and security in the commitment to democratic resistance". Amnesty: "The greatest betrayal of human rights in the recent history of the city".

Police justify the ban by the need to enforce pandemic-related social distancing, and to prevent vandalism. Past marches organised by the Civil Human Rights Front have always been peaceful. On 1 July 2003, 500,000 people met to demand the scraping of a proposed security bill. Now Beijing is preparing to impose its own law on Hong Kong.

China’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong claims that Hong Kong leaders fully support the new law and wish to see it applied as soon as possible. No opposition leader or critic were invited. For pro-Beijing Elsie Leung, it is better not to publish the text of the law because it could cause unrest.

In the first official statement by a leader of the Catholic Church, Card Tong says he understands the need for a security law, noting that freedom of religion and speech are guaranteed by the Basic Law and must be respected. For the prelate, the relationship with the Vatican cannot be considered “collusion with foreign forces". Card Zen is "concerned" about Beijing's influence.

Hong Kong’s former Chief Justice Andrew Li criticises judges’s subrodination to chief executive and Beijing’s interference in "exceptional" security cases. According to pro-Beijing Hong Kong newspapers, local religious leaders, including Card Tong, "understand and support the national security law".

In cases of conflict with Hong Kong's (liberal) laws, the new law trumps the previous one. It includes a supervision of schools to verify national security education. Carrie Lam maintains the new law will guarantee the "One country, two systems" principle. For democratic movements and NGOs, the new law will reduce freedoms in Hong Kong, making it similar to "any other Chinese city".

After the law that punishes offenses against the national anthem and the Chinese flag, indications arrive from the Office for Education: listen to the anthem "with solemnity" and "dignity". At least 17% of those arrested in pro-democracy demonstrations are under the age of 18. Sham Shui Po demonstration in the school yard. A human chain in Tseung Kwan O canceled.

For the group, the law is so vague that the Pope could be called a "foreign power" colluding with the diocese of Hong Kong. There would be problems for prayers on Tiananmen and for the democratic commitment of many faithful. Protestant pastors, lawyers, journalists against the law.

The letter, addressed to the president of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, was signed by many NGO and Christian groups from the United States, Australia, and Norway. Prominent pro-Beijing individuals defend it and threaten to use it retroactively. Hong Kong’s extradition bill could be reintroduced, despite its rejection by Hong Kong people last year.

​A year ago, Marco Leung was hanging a banner against the extradition law and fell. A kilometer long line, for over 4 hours, paid homage in front of the young man's simulacrum. The government asks state employees and students not to participate in the June 20 popular referendum on national security law, but teachers and schoolchildren are ready to challenge the threat.