China implemented its new security law for Hong Kong on the 30th of June. Following this, all the suspects that were arrested under the jurisdiction of the new security office could possibly be tried in mainland China. This new piece of information has started striking terror in the hearts of the citizens of Hong Kong.
This comes as a result of Article 55 of the new security law, which states that Beijing could exercise its power over complex or serious cases. This also bans violators of the law from contesting in elections and greater oversight of non-government organizations and news houses.
Speaking at a flag-raising ceremony to mark the anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover in 1997, the city’s embattled leader Carrie Lam said the law was the most important development since the city’s return to Beijing.
“It is also an inevitable and prompt decision to restore stability in the society,” Lam said at the same harbor-front venue where 23 years ago the last colonial governor, Chris Patten, a staunch critic of the security law, tearfully handed back Hong Kong to Chinese rule.
After a long-drawn series of protests and opposition, The authorities have come out and said that this legislation is only aimed at “troublemakers” and will not affect the common public or their freedom, despite evidence suggesting otherwise.