Hong Kong arrests dozens as 'anti-protest' law kicks in - BBC News

Dozens of people have been arrested in Hong Kong, including a man carrying a pro-independence flag, after a new "anti-protest" law imposed by Beijing came into effect, officials say.

Police have used pepper spray to disperse some protesters gathered to mark 23 years since British rule ended.

The national security law targets secession, subversion and terrorism with punishments up to life in prison.

Critics say it stops some freedoms meant to be guaranteed by China.

[halethewhale]

Honestly wouldnt be surprised if someone lets a nuke off before the end of the year

[killamilla]

The Worst thing is that they're going to censor their internet
That really sucks

[timconnor]

To be clear this is not just an 'anti-protest' law; it is a 'national security' law without a clear definition of 'national security'. Anything that can be remotely linked to national security, be it politically, financially, culturally, etc, will be regarded as criminal offense. It is clear at this point that this is simply a tool to provide legitimacy for the Chinese government to seize absolute control in Hong Kong.

[_Shinasu]

Look how threatening that flag is to national security, watch out it may flutter in the wind and kill some 1

[ihateshoes]

This is so sad that people cant have freedom of speech, life shouldn’t be like this. 2020 can’t get any worse. 😫

[maxs.]

Boycott ticktock!!!

Not like it was anything special to begin with.

[Blackbeard]

Let's get their British passports sorted.

[ric]

Arrested for thought crimes...CCP is truly Big Brother.

[孙之隽]

Support the independence of Scotland and Wales

[peteryen]

hknese can start new life in uk just leave carrie lam live alone in hk

[Relentless_Games]

Now we know exactly who the police serve.

[olympic]

When carrie lam die, everybody will just boo her on her funeral

[catchandys]

As China has stepped well over the line, it is our obligation to provide refuge to those who were born in Hong Kong prior to 1997 and their families.

[milesarcher]

AN OBJECT LESSON FOR THOSE IN THE US WHO CLAIM THAT THEY ARE "OPPRESSED" AND DENIED HUMAN RIGHTS: IF YOU'RE SO UNHAPPY THERE, SPEND A FEW YEARS IN CHINA, AND SEE HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT THE US AFTERWARDS.

[jeremiahlalmuansangapachua]

Imagine being so insecure, you have to arrest people carrying banners...

[josephho]

There were more celebrations than protests today, why BBC didn't even mention one? Although many HKers don't trust China, there are more people approved this law than against. Why BBC didn't mention this or did an interview with one?

[deejinglert]

Congrats it should be done long time ago. China ignored to do it for a year.

[Raja-emtz]

Chian media telling that HK people longing for the security law😂😂

China making their people
Fool

[phlipyphlopy]

Hong Kong people are grateful to any sanction from the world :)
We are ready for it!!
#StandWithHongKong

[chanjolly]

That black flag has a small words "not" before the slogon