Hong Kong – The new Security Law approved and implemented by Beijing on China had caused such a stir as the new law had curtailed the British-China handover deal which was “one country- two systems” which gave Hong Kong it’s autonomy from the mainland’s draconian rules.
The promise holds the highest esteem to Hongkong denizens as it showcases how inherently unique and creative Hong Kong is without the direct influence of the China government and their strict mandates. The new law, however, is entirely opposite where it puts down the ability to free speech and take away rights to protest about injustices.
The new law is currently targeted by pro-democracy groups as it undermines the freedom of the people who live in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong was handed over to the Chinese government in 1997 from its former colonizers marking the date of independence for Hong Kong, however, the passing of the territory was under one condition. This allowed the handover to occur on the grounds that Hong Kong runs autonomously from Mainland China in government even as a part of it.
The agreement was to last for 50 years however China went back on their promise with the issuance of the new Hong Kong Security Law.
Carrie Lam, Hong Kong’s leader who shared a pro-Beijing lean stated that the law closed a large loophole in the governance of Hong Kong.
Opposition legislator, Ted Hui stated “Our rights are taken away; our freedom is gone; our rule of law, our judicial independence is gone.Beijing’s promise to the world that Hong Kong will have a high degree of autonomy is proven to be a lie,“ on the implementation of the new law.
Pro-democracy groups have quietly disbanded from the fear of being arrested. Anger and disappointment was voiced out by the United Kingdom, NATO and the European Union.
Many pro-democracy rallyists, political activists and many who went anonymous, fearing being branded as traitors by the government, have resigned from their posts and started deleting their anti-government posts.
“The city would turn into a secret police state”, Joshua Wong, secretary-general and founding member of pro-democracy group Demosisto stated as he described the drastic change of the country’s state of affairs.
