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Added on the 13/07/2020 11:52:41 - Copyright : France 24 EN
The US says it is "alarmed" after Hong Kong legislators fast-tracked a new national security law that introduces penalties such as life imprisonment for crimes related to treason and insurrection, and up to 20 years in jail for the theft of state secrets. "We believe that these kinds of actions have the potential to accelerate the closing of Hong Kong’s once open society," US Department of State deputy spokesperson Vedant Patel tells reporters during a press briefing. SOUNDBITE
Hong Kong's largest-ever national security trial begins final arguments Wednesday, more than 1,000 days after the case against 47 democracy activists under the Beijing-imposed law began. IMAGES
A construction site for a Hong Kong high-rise is engulfed in flames, with firefighters on the scene battling the blaze. Officials say the fire broke out at 11:11pm local time (0311 GMT) in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, a busy shopping and tourist district on the city's world-famous harbourfront. IMAGES
A small group of protesters gather outside the Hong Kong court where the city's largest national security trial was set to begin. "Crackdown is shameless," read a banner carried by two people, adding: "Immediately release all political prisoners." IMAGES
The trial of 47 of Hong Kong's most prominent pro-democracy figures begins Monday, in the largest prosecution under a national security law that has crushed dissent in the city. IMAGES
Heavy security presence in Hong Kong as the city marks the 33rd anniversary of China's Tiananmen crackdown. Police officers conduct searches at Victoria Park, where traditionally vigils were held on the day of Tiananmen anniversary. In Causeway Bay, near the park, police officers are also on guard, ushering a pro-democracy activist away from the premise. IMAGES