Hong Kong has banned two pro-democracy organisations, with members and donors facing fines up to HK$1 million and 14 years in prison under the city’s national security law.
HONG KONG: The Hong Kong government has banned the operations of two pro-democracy groups.
The city’s security chief issued the order on Tuesday under the homegrown national security law, known as Article 23.
The ban directly prevents the two activist-led organisations, Hong Kong Parliament and the Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union, from operating locally.
It is unclear what immediate impact the ban will have, as the groups are largely active on social media with some members reportedly based abroad.
A government statement said the prohibition was necessary for safeguarding national security.
Any activists affiliated with the groups, or who give them money, face a maximum fine of HK$1 million (RM 628,000) and imprisonment for 14 years.
Some overseas members are already on Hong Kong police most-wanted lists or have reward notices attached to them.
A 19-year-old woman who took part in videos to promote the Hong Kong Parliament recently pleaded guilty to sedition and received a one-year prison term.
Beijing imposed a sweeping national security law on Hong Kong in 2020 after the city saw huge and sometimes violent pro-democracy protests the year before.
The former British colony passed an additional, homegrown security law last year, which strengthened penalties for sedition.
As of the start of November, Hong Kong has arrested 348 people for various national security crimes and convicted 172.
