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Hong Kong's national security law
Hong KongPolitics

Hong Kong’s domestic security law 1 month later: no arrests, no big uproar, what’s going on?

  • Western diplomats in Hong Kong say foreign powers are in a ‘wait-and-see’ mode before deciding their next steps
  • Source says government has shifted to ‘softer, reactive’ approach but is not planning any large-scale publicity campaigns or high-level delegations to explain law overseas

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Illustration: Lau Ka-kuen
Natalie WongandWilla Wu
Dozens of Hong Kong opposition figures already behind bars for three years have begun to realise the city’s new domestic security law will affect them too.
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Charged under the national security law imposed by Beijing in 2020, they did not expect that Article 23 of the Basic Law, which came into effect a month ago, would concern them.

In fact, they will be among the first to feel its reach. Their hopes for an early release from prison, with the usual one-third remission of sentences for “industry and good conduct” have been dashed.

Under the new law, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, anyone imprisoned for a national security offence cannot be granted remission unless the authorities are satisfied that it will not be contrary to the interests of national security.

Some of the 47 politicians, accused of conspiring to use an unofficial primary election with a view to winning the Legislative Council election and paralysing the government, lamented privately to family and friends they were now likely to remain in prison longer.
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If, for example, they received a nine-year sentence, they could get a one-third discount for pleading guilty. With another third off for good behaviour – based on the final sentence handed down – they might serve four years in prison. Taking time on remand into account, they could have been released soon.

Article 23 changed that for them.

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