In a move that has stirred controversy, the Hong Kong government has started public consultation on a local National Security Law, over three years after a similar law was imposed by Beijing. This law is widely seen as having stifled dissent in the semi-autonomous city.

The proposed law aims to expand the government's jurisdiction, allowing the prosecution of residents for various offenses, including collaborating with foreign forces to influence legislation or disseminating misleading information. It also grants authorities the power to close down civil society organizations. Moreover, the law includes provisions for criminal prosecutions for acts committed anywhere in the world.

The Basic Law, Hong Kong's mini-constitution, mandates the enactment of a national security law. However, due to concerns about potential erosion of civil liberties, public opposition has delayed this process for decades. Notably, in 2003, a previous attempt to pass a similar law sparked massive street protests, ultimately leading to its shelving.

The recent crackdown on political opposition in Hong Kong has created an environment where the passage of this law is likely to face little resistance. Pro-democracy activists have been targeted since 2020, resulting in their arrests, silencing, or forced exile. Additionally, numerous civil society groups have been disbanded, and media outlets such as Apple Daily and Stand News have been shut down.

While the draft text of the law will be finalized after considering public input from the consultation, which is set to take place from Tuesday until February 28, the government has already released a comprehensive 110-page document outlining its intentions.

Both the Hong Kong and Beijing governments have praised the previous National Security Law for restoring stability in the territory following the large-scale pro-democracy protests that occurred in 2019. Officials argue that a local version of the law is necessary to counteract potential sabotage and address underlying ideas related to Hong Kong independence. They have also expressed concerns about the continued presence of foreign agents in the city.

The public consultation process is expected to be closely watched by international observers, who remain concerned about the erosion of civil liberties in Hong Kong. Critics argue that the law poses a threat to freedom of speech, assembly, and association, and fear that it will further curtail democratic values in the semi-autonomous region.