Protest and The National Security Law

The Why of Tension -

It was only back in 1977 when Hong Kong was freed from the British rule and handed back to China under the condition of "one country, two systems". This made Hong Kong a 'mini self-governed Constitution' for the next 50 years. Though there is nothing known regarding what will happen after 50 years. The basic law granted certain freedoms such as freedom of assembly and speech, some other Democratic rights and an independent judiciary - all that which was not enjoyed by people who belonged to the mainland of China. In the same agreement, Hong Kong was also asked to form its own national security law - but nothing was done.

An hour before the celebration of 23rd anniversary of freedom from British Government, National Security law came into effect.This step was taken by China to set a legal framework for the Hong Kongers in concern with the problems they created for Chinese authorities. 

This law criminalises the following things - 

• terrorism - using violence against people and also vandalism of government property,

• secession - to run away from the country or the act of breaking away,

• collusion with foreign powers,

• subversion - sabotaging the power and authority of the central government. 

This law gave Beijing the official authority to control and mould the life of Hong Kongers. Even though China states that it will only restore back stability but many fear that this law will take away many rights especially freedom of speech.

Some of the key provisions of the law are -

• breaching of collusion, secession, subversion and terrorism might lead to life imprisonment. 

• Hong Kong is obliged to form nations security commission who can enforce these laws including an adviser appointed by Bejing. 

• No judicial body of Hong Kong have any kind of authority on the interpretation of these laws. Only Bejing will decide what the laws imply.

• All those suspected of breaking the law will be kept under surveillance. 

• Those who found violating the law will not be allowed to stand for public office. Companies if violates the law will be heavily fined.

• This law is applicable even to those who are not a permanent resident of Hong Kong but are a resident.

To locate those who are infracting the law, Police are crowned with extensive powers. It includes censoring internet content, online tracking of users, seizing of electronic equipment and such.

The Tenison - 

 Joshua Wong, an activist tweeted that "Hong Kong enters a new reign of terror" and many critics agree to it. A general opinion that is accepted by mass says that this law is to stifle those who speak up against the cruelty of the Chinese government and to strangle dissent. 

Since June of last year, protestors diffused all over Hong Kong against the proposed law. Since then clashes between police and protesters have raged for months. Authorities used tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and in recent time even live bullets but there is no sign of flagging. Protestors have five major demands -

 

• to not say tag these protest as riots, 

• to provide amnesty for the one's assisted, 

• to implement universal suffrage,

• enquiry again alleged police brutality,

•  and to revoke the proposes bill. 

Fifth demand had already been met by the authorities but "too late".

Due to pandemic protests came to a halt but with the improvement, people are back on the street. It's been over a year but Bejing didn't even consider the protests and this is leading to the spread of exhaustion. Streets which were occupied by thousands can only witness half the number of people. Protestors fear that they have exhausted their options. Concerning with protests, organiser and local official, Michael Mo said, " It's begging of the end". 

It is hard to stand against a well equipped aggressive police force and a government which is losing its patience. A 32 years old, labour organizer said “We tried almost everything we could think of last year. Maybe we will come up with something better later. But at this moment, people just feel tired.”

Even though China has received backlash for the implementation of this law from all the major economies, it didn't stop. The US as a result also stripped off the certain privileges of Hong Kong. But as for now, nothing is certain. It is to be seen how Hong Kong and lives will be affected and for how long this insurrection will last.

 Activist Joshua Wong in a tweet said, “However, even under ... China’s direct authoritarian rule Hong Kongers will continue to fight … When justice fails, our fight goes on”.

Parth sharma

Bjmc ii