Hong Kong’s Legislative Council has begun debating the draft of a new national security law for the Chinese territory after Chief Executive John Lee said it should be passed at “full speed”.
A discussion on the Safeguarding National Security Bill, as it is officially known, started on Friday and was adjourned less than 15 minutes later until March 11.
The draft bill published online a few hours ahead of the session, includes new laws on treason, espionage, external interference, state secrets and sedition.
Those found guilty of treason could face sentences of up to life imprisonment, while those convicted of breaching state secrets or espionage could face 10 and 20 years respectively. Punishments relating to alleged collusion with foreign forces will also be increased, particularly if people are deemed to be working together rather than alone.
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