Hong Kong Draws Red Line on Social Media Posts With Arrests
- Group advocated building ‘Republic of Hong Kong,’ police say
- Move comes amid growing speculation election will be postponed
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Hong Kong police arrested four student activists over online comments they said violated a new Beijing-drafted national security law, the first time authorities have used the controversial legislation to limit speech on the internet.
Police detained four people ages 16 to 21 -- including three who were male and one who was female -- over comments posted in July inciting others to commit secession, the Hong Kong Police Force said Wednesday. The arrests came after police found a newly established group online calling for the creation of a “Republic of Hong Kong” by “any means” necessary.