"The new amendments empower police to require a person under investigation suspected of endangering national security to provide any password or decryption method for electronic devices and to provide the police any reasonable and necessary information or assistance."
"Urania Chiu, a law lecturer in the UK researching Hong Kong, said the new provisions interfered with fundamental liberties, including the privacy of communication and the right to a fair trial."
"The sweeping powers given to law enforcement officers without any need for judicial authorisation are grossly disproportionate to any legitimate aim the bylaw purports to achieve, Chiu said."
"A Hong Kong government spokesperson said the amended rules conformed to the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, and its human rights provisions."
New amendments to Hong Kong's national security law allow police to demand passwords from suspects and empower customs to seize items with seditious intent. Non-compliance can result in up to one year in jail and fines. Providing false information may lead to three years' imprisonment. The amendments were gazetted by the city government, bypassing the legislature. Critics argue these provisions violate fundamental liberties, while officials claim they are necessary for stability following pro-democracy protests in 2019. The law imposes severe penalties for subversion and collusion with foreign forces.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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