Security law: Democracy activist Nathan Law flees Hong Kong

His destination is unknown. A few hours earlier he had testified by videoconference before the US Congress. City authorities: Slogans in favor of democracy or independence violate the law. The fears of democracy groups.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A prominent activist from the democratic movement has fled the city for fear of being arrested under the new security law. In a WhatsApp message sent to the press yesterday, Nathan Law did not disclose his destination, but said he wanted to continue his battle for democracy in Hong Kong from abroad. A few hours earlier he had testified in video conferences before the US Congress.

The legislation, which came into force on 30 June, introduces the crimes of separatism, subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces. Beijing imposed it to stifle the democratic front, which for a year has been demonstrating for Hong Kong's autonomy from the motherland and to safeguard its liberal system.

Yesterday, city authorities specified that slogans and speeches related to the anti-extradition movement and any calls for independence are punishable under the law.

More than 370 people were arrested at demonstrations on July 1st; among them, dozens for violating the new legislation.

Law, 26, was one of the promoters of Demosisto, the autonomist formation that dissolved immediately after the implementation of the security law. Many other Democrats now fear being arrested and extradited to China, where they would be tried by the motherland courts controlled by the Chinese Communist Party. Some of them, such as independence activist Wayne Chan Ka-kui, had already left the city before the measure was finally approved.