Currents News Staff
Schools in Hong Kong are being ordered to remove books that might breach the city’s sweeping new national security law.
Beijing imposed the law last week, which effectively outlaws certain political views, such as support for independence from China. Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam is calling the law “relatively mild.”
“Instead of spreading fear, the law will actually remove fear and let Hong Kong people return to a normal, peaceful life,” said Lam.
Life in Hong Kong has changed dramatically since a new national security law to block dissent against the Chinese Communist party was passed last week. Police are cracking down on protesters and charging them with inciting subversion or secession. If they’re convicted, they can face sentences of up to life in prison.
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At Lam’s weekly news conference July 7, she said she will allow Hong Kong to remain semi-autonomous – a decision made by Britain in 1997. She dismissed concerns that the new law undermines freedom.
“Surely this is not doom and gloom for Hong Kong,” said Lam. “I’m sure with the passage of time and efforts and the facts being laid out, confidence will grow in ‘One country, Two systems’ and in Hong Kong’s future.”