Hong Kong's Article 23 Bill Nears Final Approval, Expanding Chief Executive's Powers
The controversial national security legislation, expected to pass soon, grants the chief executive significant authority, raising concerns over civil liberties.
- Hong Kong legislators concluded clause-by-clause deliberations of the Article 23 bill, examining a series of amendments to existing laws.
- The amended bill, submitted after marathon scrutiny, empowers the chief executive to draft subsidiary legislation, with new offences punishable by up to seven years in jail.
- Critics argue the bill transforms Hong Kong from a free society to one where fear prevails, with potential life sentences for espionage, treason, and foreign interference.
- The legislation is seen as Beijing's effort to tighten its grip on Hong Kong, diminishing the city's autonomy and civil liberties.
- The bill's passage is imminent, following a fast-track process in Hong Kong's opposition-less legislature.
South China Morning Post 
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