英文摘要 |
The Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law or NSL) has had an unprecedented impact and brought challenges to the rule of law and human rights in Hong Kong. This article discusses four major aspects of the National Security Law-its mechanisms, procedures, targeted offenses and reach-and focuses on how the NSL erodes fundamental freedoms including personal liberty and freedoms of speech, press, publication, assembly, procession, demonstration and association as well as the principles of legal certainty, judicial independence, and public accountability in Hong Kong's rule of law. Looking to the future, this article suggests that the communities affected by the NSL, including civil society groups, the media, political circles, academia and businesses, should take the initiative to conduct impact assessments, openly discussing the Law's impact on civil society advocacy, news reporting, political movements, academic research and business operations. The impacted communities should come together to proactively formulate measures in response to the Law, rather than selfcensor prematurely or wait passively for problems to occur. In addition to using Hong Kong's rich resources in human rights and rule of law, Hong Kong and international civil society should take advantage of the relevant provisions in the NSL on the protection of human rights, thereby continuing to deepen the cultural heritage of Hong Kong's human rights and rule of law and minimizing the harm caused by the NSL. Through this proactive, community-driven approach, problems caused by the NSL in various communities can be identified accurately and responses can be tailored to solve them. In addition, the spirit of freedom can further take root to strengthen the resilience of Hong Kong society. |