Hong Kong Enacts Article 23 Subsidiary Legislation with 7-Year Jail Term, 6 Prohibited Sites, and Police Blocking Journalists

Hong Kong has enacted new subsidiary legislation under its homegrown national security law, specifically strengthening Article 23. The legislation imposes a maximum jail term of seven years for disclosing investigations conducted by Beijing's national security office. Six locations associated with Beijing's national security office, including four hotels and future permanent sites in Kowloon, have been declared "prohibited places." Hong Kong police have prevented journalists from photographing or filming two of these sites, although no specific laws currently forbid photographing from public areas. The legislation is subject to a "negative vetting" procedure by the Legislative Council (LegCo), which allows scrutiny and amendments within 28 days. A subcommittee composed of lawmakers who previously oversaw the national security law's passage will oversee the new subsidiary legislation. Security Minister Chris Tang clarified that merely taking photos of prohibited places does not constitute criminal intent; criminal charges would require intent such as espionage activities. Additionally, Hong Kong police are enhancing efforts to monitor illegal cryptocurrency flows using new tools.This is an AI-generated article powered by DeepNewz, curated by The Defiant. For more information, including article sources, visit DeepNewz.To continue reading this as well as other DeFi and Web3 news, visit us at thedefiant.io