In 2020, China introduced the National Security Law (NSL) for its territory of Hong Kong, transforming the legal and democratic rights of residents in the territory.
Created in response to anti-China and pro-democracy protests which had taken over Hong Kong’s streets the year before, the law outlawed a wide range of dissenting acts.
Beijing and Hong Kong authorities argued the law was necessary to maintain peace and stability in the city.
But critics say it caused “the end of Hong Kong” as it was known, and has repressed free speech and political criticism.
This year, Hong Kong authorities also imposed a second security law, known as Article 23. This law, which was fast-tracked through Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing legislature in March, covers treason, sedition and state secrets, and allows for trials to be held behind closed doors.
Read more about the 2020 NSL here.
