Hong Kong Implements Stricter National Security Law, Affecting Early Release of Prisoners
Hong Kong's new national security legislation tightens restrictions on early prisoner release, signaling a tougher stance on national security offenders.
- Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee announced that prisoners convicted of serious national security crimes are unlikely to receive early release under the new national security law.
- The law, which took effect last Saturday, alters the previous provision allowing sentence reduction for good behavior, specifically targeting those convicted of endangering national security.
- Activist Adam Ma Chun-man, known for his role in the 2019 anti-government protests, became the first individual affected by the changes, with his early release blocked.
- The legislation extends to anyone jailed under the national security law enacted by Beijing in June 2020, including cases before the new law's implementation.
- Western governments, including the United States, have criticized the expedited legislative process and the potential erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong.
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The Japan Times 
South China Morning Post 
Associated Press 
