Enforcement Of The National Security Law In Hong Kong, A 15-Year-Old Girl Arrested

Hong Kong demonstration illustration (Photo: Josep Chan / Unsplash)

JAKARTA - The commemoration of the handover of Hong Kong from Britain to the Chinese government on Wednesday 1 July was also accompanied by the enactment of the National Security Act. Less than 24 hours under the reality of the new law, thousands of people are defying the police ban on taking to the streets.

Launching CNN, Thursday, July 2, their number is now far less than the July 1 protests last year. There were reports of security disturbances and riots in four districts. Thousands of police officers were deployed and caused traffic chaos. Police said around 370 people were arrested, including 10 who would face sentences under the National Security Act.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Hong Kong government, several people owned and waved flags that had the words "Hong Kong independence." They also chanted 'Hong Kong independence' slogans.

"These people are suspected of inciting or conspiring with others to secede," the spokesman said.

Such charges carry up to life imprisonment and a minimum of 10 years in prison for the main offender. Meanwhile, the prison term is three years for those who "actively participate" in the offense. One of those arrested was a 15 year old girl.

What happens to the 10 people arrested can determine how the law is implemented in Hong Kong. The impact on society will be broader. Will prosecutors seek the harshest punishment or even move cases to Chinese jurisdiction, as permitted by law? And what legal challenges will the law face as cases pass through the courts?

Tam Yiu-chung, the only member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress in Hong Kong, which also drafted the security law, said that "the police will of course follow up on these cases to assess whether such allegations need to be made."

He also added that some people might deliberately defy the law.

"Also, maybe because they don't understand the contents of the law," said Tam.

"We feel very sad that some youths and teenagers have broken the law. We really don't want to see a case like that," he added.

Talking about the 15-year-old girl who was arrested, he added that the committee hopes to help her. If they succeed in helping the girl, it is hoped that the girl will have a better understanding of the law in question and not break the law anymore.

Meanwhile in another area, a 24-year-old man in the case was arrested in a dramatic midnight arrest. The man was arrested by the police when he was about to board an international flight to London. Police said the reason for the detention of the man was the alleged assault. Under the Law on National Security, he is expected to face life in prison.