Hong Kong Considers First Bans Under New National Security Law, Targeting Overseas Groups
Hong Kong authorities are poised to invoke the recently enacted Safeguarding National Security Ordinance for the first time, perhaps banning two overseas political groups – the Hong Kong Parliament and the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union – deemed to be subversive. The move signals a notable escalation in the city’s efforts to suppress dissent, extending its reach beyond its borders to target groups operating abroad.
The Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, indicated on Monday that he may declare the two organizations “prohibited” under the new ordinance. This would criminalize membership, support, or even participation in activities related to the groups, carrying potential penalties of up to 14 years imprisonment and a HK$1 million fine.
According to a government statement, the two organizations are accused of aiming “to subvert state power,” specifically through promoting “self-determination,” drafting a “Hong Kong Constitution,” and attempting to undermine the political system of the People’s Republic of China. Tang announced during a press briefing on Tuesday that the groups have been given one week to present their defense. He also revealed that authorities have already prosecuted individuals linked to these groups, with one defendant, 19-year-old Lan Fei, recently sentenced to one year in jail for sedition.
Lan Fei’s conviction stemmed from her participation in videos promoting elections for the Hong Kong parliament, a Canada-based group that sought to establish a shadow legislature outside of Hong Kong with the stated goal of challenging the city’s government. The Hong Kong Parliament has already drawn significant attention from authorities, who in July announced bounties totaling HK$200,000 for details leading to the arrest of 15 activists linked to the group, with an additional four facing HK$1 million bounties for other alleged national security offenses.
The crackdown also extends to the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, with a 16-year-old currently detained pending sentencing after pleading guilty to conspiring to commit secession. He was charged alongside two other men associated with the Taiwan-based political group.
This isn’t the first time Hong Kong authorities have banned a political organization. In 2018, the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party was prohibited under the Societies Ordinance – the first such ban since the 1997 Handover. at the time, then-Security Chief John Lee, now the city’s Chief Executive, justified the ban as being in the interests of national security, public safety, and the protection of freedoms.
The current move relies on the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, enacted on March 23, 2024, after being fast-tracked through the city’s legislature, which is now devoid of opposition. This law expands the scope of national security offenses to include treason,insurrection,sabotage,external interference,sedition,theft of state secrets,and espionage. It also allows for pre-charge detention of up to 16 days and restricts access to legal counsel, with potential penalties reaching life imprisonment.
The new ordinance has faced widespread criticism from rights organizations,Western governments,and the United Nations,who have labeled it vague,overly broad,and “regressive.” however, authorities maintain that the law is necessary to address perceived foreign interference and to “close loopholes” exposed during the 2019 protests.
Why: hong Kong authorities are moving to ban overseas political groups due to accusations of sub
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