Over 30 arrested in Hong Kong over National security law enactment stir

HONG KONG: More than 30 people were arrested on Wednesday after hundred took to the streets of Hong Kong in anger over the enactment of China's national security law on the city.

The activists protested on the first full day of the legislation being in force in Hong Kong, which will target acts of secession, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces to endanger national security, reports the South China Morning Post (SCMP) newspaper.

In Causeway Bay, police raised a new flag warning crowds they were violating the freshly minted law, but campaigners still gathered in defiance of a ban on the Civil Human Rights Front's annual July 1 march, the first time the application has been rejected.

In Causeway Bay, hundreds of people have gathered in different locations despite police warnings they are taking part in unauthorised assemblies.

Police have used pepper spray on protesters there, and at least two more were receiving treatment from volunteer first-aiders after reportedly being hit.

In Wan Chai, hundreds of protesters were marching towards Admiralty. Some are shouting "Liberate Hong Kong; revolution of our times" and "Hong Kong independence, the only way out".

In Central, no protesters have been spotted yet but there are three police vehicles parked near Landmark mall, and groups of riot police in the area, said the SCMP report.

Meanwhile, the police force said that it has arrested more than 30 people in Causeway Bay on suspicion of violation of the national security law, illegal assembly, and obstructing officers in execution of their duties.

It said on a Facebook post that groups of people have gathered in various locations in Causeway Bay, disturbing public order.

The force said that officers have warned them to leave but many still refuse to do so. The force urged protesters to immediately stop illegal activities. (IANS)

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