The Chinese Government has recently imposed a new controversial law in Hong Kong, which has many pro-democracy activists concerned. The law puts controversial bounties on anyone who voices opposition against the government and its imposed system, including American citizens located in Hong Kong.
The new law was revealed in late July 2020, and included a severe crackdown on freedom of speech, certain behavior such as gathering in public places, and the online publishing of protest material. The law includes a section that allows the government to impose financial bounties, ranging in amounts from $10,000 to $50,000, on anyone found guilty of committing a crime related to the aforementioned actions.
The most shocking part of the equation is the fact that the law encompasses American citizens located inside of Hong Kong. The government’s power to levy the financial bounties on U.S. citizens living in the special administrative region is quite concerning and has caused many people to fear for their safety.
This news has sparked an international outcry, with many citizens and lawmakers in the United States voicing their concern over the potential injustice this law could bring upon innocent Americans living in the country. Numerous government representatives have even called on the Chinese government to retract the law and to reevaluate the punishment for those found guilty of nonviolent offenses.
The latest developments in Hong Kong have left many people feeling uneasy and unsure of what the future holds for the democracy movement in the city-state. China does not intend to back down on their stance and numerous international organizations like the United Nations and the European Union have called on China to reassess the law.
Personally I see this situation as incredibly concerning for United States citizens living in Hong Kong and for other people of the democracy movement. As a defender of human rights, I would hope that China will back away from their stance and that we can help to ensure each individual’s safety. We must make sure that no individual, no matter their social status, is not subject to injustice based on their political views.
In conclusion, the new law recently imposed by the Chinese government has been widely criticized from international organizations and governments of the western world. The law puts financial burdens on those found guilty of opposition against the government, which includes both citizens of China and U.S. citizens living in the city-state. We must take steps to ensure all individuals have the right to express their opinions without fear of harsh retribution.