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BANGKOK, Thailand (May 22, 2025) – The Asia Democracy Network (ADN) and the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) strongly condemn the Hong Kong Government’s latest amendments to its national security law, gravely escalating its assault on human rights, civil liberties, rule of law, and autonomy.
ADN and FORUM-ASIA call on the Hong Kong Government to immediately repeal its oppressive measures.
On May 13, 2025, the Hong Kong Government enacted a new subsidiary legislation under its domestic security law. Done through a “negative vetting” procedure, it bypassed legislative scrutiny and public debate. This allowed the law to immediately take effect after gazetting and before any review by the Legislative Council.
The legislation further expands the powers of Beijing’s Office for Safeguarding National Security (OSNS) in Hong Kong, a body which was already operating with sweeping authority and minimal oversight.
“What’s unfolding in Hong Kong is not just repression, it is a legalization of authoritarianism. When unchecked power is codified into law, democracy unravels. We must not ignore this warning sign,” said Ichal Supriadi, Secretary General of ADN.
“Hong Kong’s crackdown knows no borders. Those who speak out are pursued even in exile. We must defend freedom in Hong Kong,” said Mary Aileen Diez-Bacalso, Executive Director of FORUM-ASIA.
New provisions and penalties
Under the new provisions, disclosing any information related to OSNS investigations is punishable by up to seven years in prison and a maximum fine of HKD 500,000 (approximately USD 64,000).
Providing false or misleading information to the OSNS has the same penalty.
The law designates OSNS-linked premises as “prohibited places” and criminalizes obstruction of the OSNS. It also mandates all public servants to assist the OSNS while granting them immunity from civil liability for compliance.
Alarmingly, the law also establishes a mechanism that enables China to assert jurisdiction over so-called “complex” national security cases, thereby raising the threat of cross-border prosecutions and deepening the erosion of Hong Kong’s legal autonomy.
Weaponization of laws
The amendments compound the already draconian measures imposed by the Beijing-backed National Security Law (NSL) passed in 2020 as well as the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (Article 23) passed in March 2024.
Both laws have been widely criticized for its vague definitions, severe penalties, and systematic targeting of peaceful dissent.
Since 2020, at least 320 individuals have been arrested under national security laws. Bail is rarely granted and many cases are tried without a jury.
These laws pose a threat not only to activists and journalists but also to ordinary citizens, public servants, and businesses since the definition of offenses remain overly broad and susceptible to abuse.
Article 23 was swiftly passed in just 11 days with minimal legislative debate and without any amendments, highlighting the breakdown of democratic safeguards.
It also expanded the type of offenses covered: 1) treason; 2) insurrection, incitement to mutiny, disaffection, and acts with seditious intention; 3) offenses in connection with state secrets and espionage; 4) sabotage endangering national security; and 5) external interference.
On February 24 2025, the Hong Kong Government announced amendments to the Trade Unions Ordinance. The amendments aim to align union regulations with the NSL and Article 23, putting trade unions that receive foreign funding under heightened scrutiny.
In addition, Hong Kong’s Cybersecurity Law pressures internet service providers to comply and align itself with national security interests.
Broader consequences
Such national security laws create a chilling effect over Hong Kong civil society. Independent media continues to shrink under pressure. Self-censorship has become widespread.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong’s business environment has also been significantly impacted since foreign investors have become increasingly wary of arbitrary enforcement.
The new legislation further entrenches Beijing’s control over Hong Kong, accelerating its transformation into a city governed under authoritarianism and effectively dismantling the “One Country, Two Systems” framework.
Authorities have recently intensified its crackdown against exiled pro-democracy activists as well as their families still living in Hong Kong. In 2024, the Hong Kong Government reportedly revoked the passports of 13 activists. In December 2024, the police offered HKD1 million (approx. USD 128,728) bounties for six pro-democracy activists residing abroad.
Call to action
ADN and FORUM-ASIA urge the Hong Kong Government to fully respect international human rights standards, including those enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Likewise, we urge the international community to:
- Condemn the Hong Kong Government’s latest national security amendments and demand accountability from those responsible for undermining fundamental rights and freedoms.
- Support Hong Kong’s human rights defenders, journalists, and civil society actors.
- Intensify diplomatic and economic measures to press for the restoration of human rights, democracy, rule of law, and autonomy in Hong Kong.
