NPC approves the security law for Hong Kong

The Standing Committee of the Chinese "Parliament" will be able to give the final green light already at the end of June. The measure passed with 2878 votes in favor, one against and six abstentions. Hong Kong residents may be arrested for subversion, secession, terrorism and collaboration with foreign forces interfering in the affairs of the city.


Beijing (AsiaNews) - The National People's Congress (NPC) today approved the proposed security law for Hong Kong. The final go-ahead for the measure will be given by the Standing Committee of the Chinese "Parliament" which will meet in late June.

The bill passed with 2878 votes in favor, one against and six abstentions. The NPC, which closes its annual session today, has no independence from the power of the Chinese Communist Party.

The measure punishes actions and "activities" that seriously endanger national security. Hong Kong residents may be arrested for subversion, secession, terrorism and collaboration with foreign forces interfering in the affairs of the city.

The announcement of the passing of the law sparked a wave of protests in Hong Kong. For the city's Bar Association, the Beijing decision violates the Basic Law, the mini-constitution on which Hong Kong's autonomy from the motherland is based.