Hot Search

Loading ...

The National Security Law: Through the eyes of Maria Tam, and two of Hong Kong's non-Chinese residen

2020-07-03

The National Security Law: Through the eyes of Maria Tam, and two of Hong Kong's non-Chinese residen

2020-07-03
The controversial National Security Law is now on the statute books but considerable uncertainty remains as to how it will be implemented. Just an hour before midnight on July 1st, the details of the legislation were finally revealed and gazetted, taking immediate effect. Although Hong Kong’s has a bilingual legal system, there was no official English version when it was released. Chief Executive Carrie Lam and local officials freely admitted to having been left in the dark throughout the process.

The four groups of crimes covered by the law are secession, subversion, terrorist activities and collusion with foreign countries to endanger national security. The maximum penalty for all these crimes is a life sentence. The central government has established a national security office in Hong Kong while the HKSAR government has set up a new committee chaired by the Chief Executive, and containing an adviser appointed by Beijing. Both the police force and the judiciary will establish new units to handle cases. In some instances, Beijing will have jurisdiction and suspects will face trail on the mainland. The power of interpretation is vested in the National People’s Congress Standing Committee. With us to talk about the new legislation is Maria Tam, Vice-chairman of the Basic Law Committee.


The Pulse

RTHK's English-language current affairs programme that takes "The Pulse" of Hong Kong ... and the world around it.

"The Pulse" is presented by locally and internationally known journalist and writer Steve Vines.

Its focus? The latest events and trends that affect Hong Kong - from the corridors of power and business boardrooms, to the streets and dai pai dongs.

"The Pulse" is politics. What's happening in the Legislative Council and on the streets right now.

"The Pulse" is the media, informing us how well or badly our press and broadcast organisations diagnose and reflect the society around us.

"The Pulse" is insightful, in-depth reports and interviews on current issues - examining those issues in depth, looking behind and beyond the news.

Its focus is on the timely. The Now.

Keep your eye ... and your finger ... on "The Pulse".

If you want to discuss anything you've seen in "The Pulse", or anything in the public eye right now, or just to talk about the show, why not join in the debate on our Facebook page, RTHK's The Pulse. 

Starting 3 April, the programme is aired every Friday on RTHK 31 at 19:30. 

We're on Facebook
RTHK's The Pulse https://www.facebook.com/RTHK.Pulse/
Instagram @rthkthepulse
Twitter @thepulse_rthk https://twitter.com/thepulse_rthk 

Archive available later after broadcast. ** Please note that the programme air-time on TV is different with webcast time.
Back To Top