Hong Kong detains teenagers for the first time under Beijing's new national security law

A Hong-Kong judge has sentenced five teenagers to three years' detention for vocating to overthrow Beijing government. This is first instance where national security law has been used in court against teenagers (Under-18s) in Hong Kong, reported BBC.  

court observed that defendants h used street booths and social media to vocate a "bloody revolution" to overthrow Chinese authority in former British colony. teenagers - aged between 16 and 19 – are reportedly members of ‘Returning Valiant’, a pro-Hong Kong independence group.  

What is Hong Kong's national security law?  

national security law was introduced by Beijing, which me it easier to prosecute protesters in city amid protests to call for Hong Kong's independence. It was passed to crack down on individuals who defy authoritarian Chinese government in an attempt to remove political opposition by Beijing.   

“Even if one person is incited, Hong Kong's stability and residents' safety could have been greatly harmed,” Judge Kwok Wai-kin stated, reported BBC.  

judge furr stated that he noted defendants' "age and immaturity", reason behind individuals being sentenced to a detention facility, which facilitates young individuals, inste of prison. Furrmore, judge announced length of ir sentence to three years. However, length of ir custody will remain at discretion of authorities. case also includes two ults, who are set to be sentenced next month.  

authoritarian regime of China h kept details of law's 66 articles a secret until it came into effect on 30 June 2020. Hong Kong's national security law criminalizes any act of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign or external forces states BBC.  

As per a research published by ChinaFile in partnership with Georgetown University, up to 110 people have been arrested under national security law. individuals detained include activists, protesters and former opposition lawmakers.  

UK announced earlier in 2022 that two of its Supreme Court judges would no longer exercise duties in Hong Kong's top court. decision was attributed to threat to civil liberties which me ir role untenable.  

Furrmore, n-UK Foreign Secretary, Lizz Truss h stated, “Since National Security Law was imposed, authorities have cracked down on free speech, free press and free association.”

She ded, “We have seen a systematic erosion of liberty and democracy in Hong Kong,” reported BBC.