Unprecedented move against National Party is either a security matter or a move to ‘silence dissenting voices’, depending on your point of view
An unprecedented move by Hong Kong authorities on Tuesday to ban a small-time pro-independence party is being seen as a warning against separatist politics in keeping with the “red line” drawn by Beijing, but critics have raised the alarm over the perceived threat to freedom of speech and expression in the city.
Lau Siu-kai, vice-chairman of semi-official think tank The Chinese Association of Hong Kong and Macau Studies, said the Hong Kong National Party was not a significant political force, but the government was acting under pressure to show Beijing it was serious about protecting national security.
State leaders have signalled their impatience at the city’s delay in enacting Article 23 of its mini-constitution, the Basic Law, which would criminalise acts of treason, secession, sedition or subversion against the central government.
“Article 23 of the Basic Law has not been enacted and it is unknown when it will be enacted. The government has to demonstrate its determination and courage to safeguard national security and territorial integrity,” Lau said.
After a massive public backlash against the last attempt to introduce the legislation in 2003, when 500,000 people took to the streets in protest, successive governments have shelved the issue.
Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor said earlier this month her administration would create favourable conditions for the legislation and lead a rational public debate, though she did not commit to a time frame.
University of Hong Kong criminal law scholar Simon Young said the police force’s recommendation to ban the Hong Kong National Party under Section 8 of the Societies Ordinance showed there was already legislation in place to prevent political parties from compromising national security.
