The new national security law in Hong Kong and its potential impact on freedom of religion or belief
On 30 June 2020, a new national security law came into effect in Hong Kong, shortly after being passed by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, China’s highest legislative body. The law prohibits secession, subversion, terrorism and ‘collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security’, and was met with fierce opposition from activists, residents, legal experts and democratic governments around the world, who believe the law is a serious threat to human rights and fundamental freedoms.