Hong Kong Fast-Tracks New Security Law at Beijing’s Urging
- City is accelerating the legislative process for the bill
- Beijing official says passing the law should be a priority
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Hong Kong is fast-tracking new security legislation that would impose life sentences for crimes such as treason and give police expanded powers amid increased pressure from Chinese leaders to get the process wrapped up quickly.
The 212-page bill was published by the government and debated in hastily arranged sessions in the city’s legislature on Friday. The government sped up the process after senior Chinese officials attending the National People’s Congress urged the law’s passing, with leader John Lee returning early from Beijing to Hong Kong.