U.N. human rights experts have told China a new security law for Hong Kong “infringes on certain fundamental rights” and voiced concerns that it could be used to prosecute political activists, Reuters reports. Critics say the legislation further erodes the wide-ranging freedoms promised to Hong Kong on its return to Chinese rule in 1997 under a “one country, two systems” agreement. The group also expressed concern that “many legitimate activities” of human rights defenders in Hong Kong would be redefined as illegal. Protests in Hong Kong last year were fuelled by perceptions that Communist Party-ruled Beijing was tightening its grip on freedoms, which authorities have denied. China should appoint a “fully independent reviewer” to examine the law’s compliance with its international human rights obligations, the experts said.

Source: The Standard September 04, 2020 02:37 UTC