Crowds thronged the bustling shopping district of Causeway Bay, where echoes of “Hong Kong independence, the only way out,” and other slogans rang through the streets. The proposed new national security framework stresses Beijing’s intent “to prevent, stop and punish” such acts. Sunday’s rally, the largest since COVID-19 lockdowns began, was initially organised against a national anthem bill but the proposed national security laws sparked calls for more people to take to the streets. China has dismissed other countries’ complaints about the proposed legislation as “meddling,” saying the proposed laws will not harm Hong Kong autonomy or foreign investors. In future they can arrest, lock up and silence anyone they want in the name of national security.

Source: bd News24 May 24, 2020 09:00 UTC