RIP Hong Kong - 1st protesters arrested under new laws against 'subversion'

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Hong Kong police have made their first arrests under a new national security law imposed by China’s central government, arresting at least two protesters for carrying flags and signs calling for independence.

A man who had a Hong Kong independence flag was arrested at a protest in the Causeway Bay shopping district after police had issued multiple warnings to the crowd that they might be in violation of the law, according to a police statement.

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The law makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city’s internal affairs. Any person taking part in secessionist activities, such as shouting slogans or holding up banners and flags urging for the city’s independence, is in violation of the law regardless of whether violence is used.

The arrests come less than 24 hours after the national security law was imposed by China after last year’s anti-government protests in the semi-autonomous territory. The law took effect on Tuesday at 11 p.m. (1500 GMT).

The law makes secessionist, subversive or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city’s internal affairs.

Any person taking part in secessionist activities, such as shouting slogans or holding up banners and flags calling for independence, is in violation of the law regardless of whether violence is used.

The most serious offenders, such as those deemed to be organising the crimes, could receive a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Lesser offenders could receive jail terms of up to three years, short-term detention or restriction.

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