The National Security Law came into force on June 30, 2020. As of March 8, 2024, the police detained 291 people on suspicion of committing acts threatening national security, the department reports.
The age of the detainees is from 15 to 90 years old. 170 suspects and five organizations have been charged, 112 people have been sentenced to prison or are awaiting sentencing, RTHK reports.
The Hong Kong authorities have been trying to develop a national security law for more than 20 years. It was decided to initiate its adoption after the massive anti-government riots and pogroms in 2019. This legal act, as stated in Beijing, is aimed at combating the threats of terrorism, separatism, undermining state power and collusion with foreign forces.
