On March 19, 2024, the Hong Kong government rushed through the Article 23 Safeguarding National Security Ordinance under the Basic Law, combining it with the National Security Law (NSL) to suppress civil society. Under the guise of “national security,” authorities have extended prison terms for pro-democracy activists, curtailed free speech, and escalated transnational repression, further entrenching authoritarian control in Hong Kong.
Prolonged Imprisonment of Political Prisoners
Following the enactment of Article 23, the government amended prison regulations to deprive imprisoned pro-democracy activists of their rights to one-third sentence reduction for good behaviour.
The first victim was Ma Chun-man, who was due for release in March 2024 but had his sentence extended to November 2025. The court rejected his judicial review application, equating legitimate political expression with organised criminality.
Many inmates in the 47 democrats primary case, including Claudia Mo, Jeremy Tam, and Carol Ng, were scheduled to serve two-thirds of their sentences by 2025-2026. However, at least 16 have been denied early release, demonstrating how Article 23 is being used to prolong the detention of political prisoners and deprive them of basic rights.
Suppression of Free Speech
Within just three months of Article 23 taking effect, the government targeted commemorations of the Tiananmen Massacre under “sedition” charges.
Between May and June 2024, eight individuals, including former Hong Kong Alliance Vice-Chairperson Chow Hang-tung, former Hong Kong Alliance Standing Committee Member Lau Ka-yee, and activist Kwan Chun-pong, were arrested for online statements related to June 4 commemorations.
On March 6, 2025, Tam Tak-chi, a former radio host and pro-democracy campaigner, lost his case to the Court of Final Appeal. The court concluded that sedition charges do not require prosecutors to prove an intent to incite violence, creating the possibility for authorities to criminalise free expression. This decision will have an impact on ongoing cases, including Jimmy Lai’s Apple Daily case and the Stand News appeal.
Transnational Repression of Overseas Activists Escalated
The Hong Kong government has expanded its political persecution beyond borders, using Article 23 as a weapon against overseas activists.
By December 2024, the government had frozen the assets of exiled dissident Ted Hui and his family members, intensifying its authoritarian intimidation tactics—a manner similar to Beijing’s transnational persecution.
Urging International Action Against Tyranny
One year after its passage, Article 23 has become a powerful tool of repression, and its impact is only set to worsen.
We urge the UK government and the international community to take action against Hong Kong’s escalating transnational repression. Nations must employ diplomatic measures, leverage UN human rights mechanisms, and implement policies to counter authoritarian overreach, ensuring the protection of Hongkongers both at home and abroad.