The Committe for Public Safety has an innocently protective ring to it. But, created during the French Revolution to protect the revolution from internal and external enemies, its executive powers were increased in 1793. So began the Reign of Terror administered by this dictatorial body and its brutal leader Maximilien Robespierre.
In modern times National Security is invoked to suppress government opposition. So it is in Hong Kong where a National Security Law (NSL) was imposed by Beijing a year ago. About 120 people have been arrested under the new law by the police’s National Security Department (NSD), a force with extended powers. Roughly half of those arrested have not been charged with any offence.
“The details of the law’s 66 articles were kept secret until after it was passed. It criminalises any act of:
• secession – breaking away from the country
• subversion – undermining the power or authority of the central government
• terrorism – using violence or intimidation against people
• collusion with foreign or external forces…
The law came into effect at 23:00 local time on 30 June, an hour before the 23rd anniversary of the city’s handover to China from British rule.
It gives Beijing powers to shape life in Hong Kong it has never had before. Critics say it effectively curtails protest and freedom of speech – China has said it will return stability.” see BBC web page here
Maya Wang, the senior China researcher at Human Rights Watch is quoted in the Guardian newspaper commenting on the NSL saying “They used to talk about politics, run for office and criticise the government, but that’s not just off limits now, it’s punishable by up to life in prison.”
odespinner 