On July 10, the British government updated its travel advice for citizens traveling to Hong Kong after considering the implications of Hong Kong’s National Security Law (NSL,) which took effect on June 30, 2020. The law includes offences of secession, subversion, organization and perpetration of terrorist activities, and collusion with a foreign country, all of which can be interpreted broadly and carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. Both individuals and organizations can face prosecution.
The advice states that travelers should be aware that issuing or supporting political statements critical of the Hong Kong and Chinese authorities, including online and on social media, could be viewed as a crime under the NSL and may lead to prosecution in Hong Kong. And, that those who support individuals who themselves are deemed to be conducting activities in contravention of the National Security Law could also face prosecution under the same law. There is also the possibility of being detained and removed to mainland China for some offences.
