Democracy takes a huge hit in Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s Chief Executive leader Carrie Lam defends her government’s raids on pro-democracy news organisation, Apple Daily.

The Chief Executive leader of Hong Kong, Carrie Lam has responded to criticisms of her government’s move to raid the publication, Apple Daily.

Lam says the criticisms are “beautifying” acts that have ultimately endangered national security.

The leader believes the media “has the ability to grasp what types of activities would endanger national security”.

Hong Kong leader says ‘it’s fine to criticise the government’

She says “it is fine to criticise the Hong Kong government, but if there is an intent or organised activity to incite or subvert the government, that’s another thing.”

Lam says the national security measures are “preventive and penalising” and believes allegations that the laws are suppressing freedom of speech are “wrong”.

Article 23

It comes as the leader flags that she may not be able to legislate Article 23 of the city-state’s Basic Law.

Article 23 provides that Hong Kong must enact a range of laws that work in accordance with the national security law that was imposed by Beijing this time last year.

More stories about the Hong Kong Apple Daily raids: