Hong Kong begins work on its own National Security Law, years after a similar law crushed dissent

By KANIS LEUNG and ZEN SOO
Associated Press

HONG KONG (AP) — Hong Kong has begun a public consultation on a local National Security Law, more than three years after Beijing imposed a similar law that has all but wiped out dissent in the semi-autonomous city. Hong Kong’s mini-constitution, the Basic Law, calls for the city to enact a national security law, but it’s been delayed for decades because of widespread public opposition. The city’s crackdown on political opposition has likely cleared the way for the new bill to pass easily. City leader John Lee said a local version is still necessary to keep Hong Kong safe against “potential sabotage,” but critics fear it will further erode civil liberties.