Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Authorities today opened the City Office for National Security, charged with implementing the new legislation that bans criticism of the Beijing regime. For the first time since 1997, the year of Hong Kong's return to Chinese sovereignty, mainland security forces have settled in the city.
The security law for the former British colony, which entered into force on 30 June, introduces the crimes of separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. It permits closed door trials, the extradition of arrested for trial in China and grants the police broad powers of surveillance. Under the provision, damage to public property can also be considered an act of terrorism.
The Chinese Communist Party claims to have imposed new legislation to restore order; the democracy and citizens’ movement, which has been demonstrating for a year for Hong Kong's autonomy from the motherland and to safeguard its liberal system, instead accuses the Beijing leadership of wanting to repress dissent.
The Office will be headed by Zheng Yanxiong, considered a regime "hawk". Zheng, a former CCP general secretary in Guangdong, was appointed by the Chinese government. He is known for his role in suppressing protests in Wukan. Between 2011 and 2016, villagers rebelled against the Guangdong authorities' decision to requisition their land without paying compensation.
