We are developing the social individualist meta-context for the future. From the very serious to the extremely frivolous... lets see what is on the mind of the Samizdata people.

Samizdata, derived from Samizdat /n. - a system of clandestine publication of banned literature in the USSR [Russ.,= self-publishing house]

More Chinese take-away

China is pushing Hong Kong to enact the anti-subversion legislation, under which people found guilty of acts of treason, sedition, secession from, or subversion against the mainland government could be imprisoned for life. To you and me, any criticism of China or its leaders can be punished by being locked up for life. More importantly, Hong Kong’s constitution guarantees a wide range of civil liberties not granted in mainland China and the greatest danger of any anti-subversion law is the possibility that it would open a channel for mainland China’s laws to be applied in Hong Kong.

Britain has urged the government of Hong Kong to protect basic rights and freedoms as the former British colony prepares to pass the anti-subversion law based on the mainland’s broad notions of “national security” and “state secrets” demanded by the Chinese government.

Apparently, China is concerned that Hong Kong could be used as a base from which to subvert the mainland. What a splendid idea! But what is it that I read?! Hong Kong is required to pass some form of anti-subversion law under its constitution, which was agreed between Britain and China before the territory reverted to Chinese rule. The Hong Kong Basic Law is the miniconstitution that took effect July 1, 1997. The Article 23 prohibits foreign political organizations from conducting political activities in Hong Kong and forbids political organizations in Hong Kong from establishing ties with foreign political organizations.

For example, the proposed law could be taken to mean that as few as two Catholics who contact or sponsor a mainland Catholic community not recognized by the Chinese government could be charged with endangering national security.

China’s foreign ministry spokeswoman insisted the legislation would bring Hong Kong into accordance with general international practice. Although to us at Samizdata.net it often appears that general international practice is being brought into accordance with Chinese practices.

I have a better idea, why don’t they try a poster campaign instead?!

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