Hong Kong’s new law is 'final nail in coffin', say critics - BBC News

Beijing and Hong Kong defend the controversial law, saying it is necessary for the city's stability.

5 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsHong Kong anti-government protestsImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Hong Kong's pro-Beijing parliament passed the law unanimously after a marathon sitting on TuesdayBy Kelly NgBBC NewsWestern leaders, the UN and rights groups have joined a chorus of criticism of Hong Kong's new security law, saying it further erodes freedoms.

Article 23, as it's known locally, was unanimously passed by the city's pro-Beijing parliament, targeting a range of offences deemed treasonous.

Officials say the law is essential for stability but opponents called it a "nail in the city's coffin".

China has long pushed for the law and said "smears" by critics would fail.

The new law allows for closed-door trials, gives the police rights to detain suspects for up to 16 days without charge and penalties including life sentences, among other things.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-china-68613249

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