"Rising Concerns as Hong Kong Moves to Pass National Security Law"

Hong Kong has initiated public consultation on a local national security law, raising concerns about further crackdown on dissent. The proposed law could expand the government's power to prosecute residents for offenses like collaborating with foreign forces and publishing misleading statements, with provisions threatening criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world. Critics fear it will be used to suppress dissidents and erode civil liberties, while authorities argue it is necessary for safeguarding national security. The consultation period will end on Feb. 28, and the proposed legislation is expected to pass easily in the Legislative Council due to the lack of opposition lawmakers following an overhaul of Hong Kong's electoral system.