"Up to Life Imprisonment for Treason and Rebellion", Draft of Hong Kong's National Security Law Unveiled

Increased Sentences for Collusion with External Forces
Businesspeople and Journalists Express "Concerns Over Criminalization of Routine Work"

Hong Kong authorities have proposed a draft National Security Law that allows for life imprisonment for crimes such as treason and rebellion.

On the 8th, AP News reported that the newly released draft National Security Law includes provisions that acts such as inciting foreign countries to invade China by force can be punished with up to life imprisonment for treason. Reckless violence that endangers the city's public safety can also be considered rebellion. The new National Security Law, which the Hong Kong government aims to legislate within the year, supplements the Hong Kong National Security Law enacted in 2020 and is referred to as the Hong Kong version of the National Security Law.

Looking at the specific legal provisions, damaging public infrastructure such as airports or other public transportation to the extent that national security is endangered can result in up to 20 years imprisonment. However, if this is done in collusion with external forces, a life sentence may be imposed. Those who commit incitement crimes face up to 7 years imprisonment, but if they conspire with external forces for such acts, the sentence increases to 10 years. Foreign governments, political parties, international organizations, and companies obligated to act according to the wishes of foreign governments are considered external forces.

China enacted the Hong Kong National Security Law in 2020 following large-scale anti-government protests in Hong Kong in 2019. Andrew Leung, President of the Hong Kong Legislative Council, said, "There is no deadline for processing the bill, but the common wish shared by all members is that sooner is better," and added that all measures will be taken to speed up the review of the bill.

AP News reported that Hong Kong-based businessmen and journalists have expressed strong fears, concerned that their daily work could be criminalized. The British Consulate in Hong Kong also emphasized, "The law must comply with international standards and protect fundamental rights and freedoms," adding, "Foreign Secretary David Cameron has clearly conveyed concerns about the bill."