– First arrests made under the Article23 security law in HK
– Arrests made under the Article23 security law for sedition posts.
Hong Kong police Make First Arrests Under Article 23 Security Law
Details of the Arrest
In a shocking turn of events, Hong Kong national security police have made the first arrests under the Article 23 security law. Six individuals, including jailed Tiananmen activist Chow Hang Tung, have been taken into custody for allegedly “publishing posts with seditious intent, taking advantage of an upcoming sensitive day.” This move by the authorities has sparked outrage and concern among human rights activists and supporters of democracy in Hong Kong.
Background on Article 23
Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law stipulates that the city must enact laws to prohibit acts of treason, secession, sedition, subversion against the central government, and theft of state secrets. The law has been a point of contention since the 2019 pro-democracy protests, with critics arguing that it could be used to suppress dissent and freedom of speech in the city. The arrests made under Article 23 mark a significant escalation in the government’s crackdown on dissent.
Reactions to the Arrests
The arrests have drawn swift condemnation from human rights organizations and foreign governments. The United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union have all expressed concern over the implications of the arrests for freedom of speech and democracy in Hong Kong. Amnesty International has called for the immediate release of the individuals arrested and for the repeal of the Article 23 security law.
Impact on Hong Kong’s Democracy Movement
The arrests come at a time of heightened tensions in Hong Kong, with the city’s democracy movement facing increasing pressure from Beijing. The crackdown on dissent has intensified in recent months, with pro-democracy activists, journalists, and lawmakers being targeted by the authorities. The arrests under Article 23 are seen as a further blow to Hong Kong’s autonomy and the freedoms guaranteed under the “one country, two systems” framework.
What’s Next for Hong Kong?
As the situation in Hong Kong continues to deteriorate, it remains to be seen what the future holds for the city’s democracy movement. The arrests under Article 23 signal a further tightening of control by the authorities and raise concerns about the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. The international community will be closely watching developments in the city and calling for respect for human rights and the rule of law.
In conclusion, the arrests made under the Article 23 security law represent a troubling escalation in the crackdown on dissent in Hong Kong. The implications of these arrests for freedom of speech and democracy in the city are significant, and the international community must continue to speak out against such actions. Hong Kong’s democracy movement faces an uncertain future, but the fight for human rights and autonomy in the city will undoubtedly continue..
#BREAKING HK nat sec police have made first arrests under the #Article23 security law.
Six people including jailed Tiananmen activist #ChowHangTung have been arrested for “publishing posts with seditions intend, taking advantage of an upcoming sensitive day”. pic.twitter.com/fDpnjuXogM
— Xinqi Su 蘇昕琪 (@XinqiSu) May 28, 2024
Source
XinqiSu said #breaking HK nat sec police have made first arrests under the #Article23 security law.
Six people including jailed Tiananmen activist #ChowHangTung have been arrested for “publishing posts with seditions intend, taking advantage of an upcoming sensitive day”.
– HK national security police
– arrested under Article security law
– Tiananmen activist
– Chow Hang Tung
– publishing posts with seditious intent
– upcoming sensitive day.
