Hong Kong security law is not “doom and gloom”

The sweeping legislation punishes what China describes broadly as secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, with up to life in prison. It came into force at the same time it was made public just before midnight last Tuesday (June 30), with police arresting about 10 people for related offences the next day. Speaking at her regular weekly news conference, Lam said the law would restore Hong Kong’s status as one of the safest cities in the world after sometimes violent pro-democracy protests last year. “Compared with the national security laws of other countries, it is a rather mild law. Its scope is not as broad as that in other countries and even China,” Lam said, without naming the countries. If reporters in Hong Kong could guarantee they would not breach the new law, she could guarantee they would be allowed to report freely in the city, Lam said.