China’s strategy for the former British colony is unique – to encourage self-censorship through fear. Tommy Walker reports from Hong Kong
Jimmy Lai – the owner of Hong Kong’s pro-democracy newspaper Apple Daily – was arrested on charges of ‘colluding with foreign forces’ and violating the city’s newly implemented National Security Law earlier this month.
Escorted in handcuffs from his home by police, the billionaire was publicly marched through the office cubicles of his company headquarters. Dozens of sky-blue shirted officers lined up in the hallways of the building, in a clear show of power against the tycoon.
It was a watershed moment in Beijing’s clampdown on Hong Kong, where self-censorship is being encouraged through fear.
The Law Sweeping the City
To date, there hasn’t been a more high-profile arrest under the National Security Law than Jimmy Lai.
Not only is he a wealthy, outspoken activist who has challenged the Government, Apple Daily is arguably the only pro-democracy newspaper in Hong Kong. Arresting its founder is a strong statement against democracy and freedom of speech.
After 40 hours in custody, Lai was eventually bailed for a reported $500,000 (£49,000). He vowed that Apple Daily would “fight on” but warned protestors to “be careful”.
Before his arrest and just minutes after the National Security Law was passed on 30 June, Lai claimed that it signalled the “death of Hong Kong”.
At the time, however, he wasn’t convinced that the law would have any immediate effects. “We just relax and see what happens,” he told Byline Times. “What can I do worrying about it, what does it do for me?”
Others, however, were more fearful. Pro-democracy activists and even casual sympathisers were frantically deleting past social media posts, wary of the potential ramifications. Others deleted social media altogether.
While the law states that it cannot be applied retroactively, self-censorship in the city had already begun before it came into force.
Governance in Hong Kong
Under the ‘one country, two systems’ agreement signed by the UK and Hong Kong in 1997, after the city was transferred back to Chinese rule, it was promised that Hong Kong would retain a ‘high degree of autonomy’ until 2047.
The National Security Law prohibits secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces, and its details can be widely interpreted. Even non-Hong Kong residents who violate the law, in the city or overseas, can be prosecuted.
It is therefore widely believed that China has violated the 1997 agreement and effectively scrapped the ‘one country, two systems’ principle.
Although worldwide attention has been focused on Lai’s arrest, another prominent activist has also recently been arrested.
Agnes Chow, 23, a former leader of pro-democracy group Demosisto, was arrested on ‘inciting secession’ charges and spent a night in police custody before being released on bail.
When approached for an interview, Chow said she has not been taking foreign media requests since 30 June.
