"Hong Kong's Legislative Push for National Security Law Mirrors Mainland China's Crackdown"

Hong Kong has begun public consultation on a local National Security Law, which could expand the government’s ability to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces and publishing misleading statements. The proposed legislation has raised concerns about further erosion of civil liberties and crackdown on dissidents, as well as potential impact on journalists and civil society groups. The consultation period will end on Feb. 28, and the proposed law is expected to pass easily given the crackdown on political opposition and lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kong’s electoral system.