Intense Protests Against the 'Hong Kong Security Law' in Hong Kong

[Asia Economy Reporter Changhwan Lee] In Hong Kong, citizens held protests against China's move to enact the 'Hong Kong National Security Law' (Hong Kong Security Law).

According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP) and others on the 24th, thousands of protesters gathered in front of the Sogo Department Store in the bustling Causeway Bay area of Hong Kong in the afternoon to hold demonstrations against the Hong Kong Security Law and the national law.

Earlier, at the opening ceremony of the National People's Congress (NPC) on the 22nd, a draft of the Hong Kong Security Law was introduced, which prohibits and punishes foreign forces' interference in Hong Kong's internal affairs, acts of national division, subversion of state power, terrorism activities, and establishes institutions within Hong Kong to enforce these provisions.

Additionally, the Hong Kong Legislative Council is scheduled to review a national law bill on the 27th that includes provisions to punish those who desecrate the Chinese national flag, the Five-star Red Flag.

On this day, protesters attempted to march while shouting slogans such as Hong Kong independence. Many participants took to the streets carrying umbrellas, the symbol of the large-scale 2014 pro-democracy protests known as the 'Umbrella Revolution.'

Hong Kong police showed a strong stance by firing tear gas and using water cannons to disperse the crowd as soon as protesters gathered in the Causeway Bay area in the afternoon.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.