Just yesterday, the law restricting Hong Kong's autonomy vis-à-vis China was passed, and already today dozens of people have been arrested, including a flag-bearer calling for the independence of the region

• Hong Kong, today

  Photo: 

  Reuters

Hong Kong police said Wednesday that the first detention under the Security Act was passed only yesterday, which undermines judicial independence, restricts Hong Kong's autonomy and gives China unprecedented power over the city.

City protests have reportedly been resumed and dozens have been arrested, including a man carrying a flag calling for Hong Kong independence. Prior to his arrest, law enforcement systems issued warnings in the city lest residents violate the new law.

Protest back to Hong Kong streets // Photo: Reuters

The new law allows China to prevent subversion, terrorism and collusion with foreign forces against Chinese rule. The maximum penalty for violators of the law is life in prison. 

#BREAKING: A man was arrested for holding a #HKIndependence flag in #CausewayBay, Hong Kong, violating the #NationalSecurityLaw. This is the first arrest made since the law came into force. pic.twitter.com/C0ezm3SGDm

- Hong Kong Police Force (@hkpoliceforce) July 1, 2020

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China is expanding its legislation against Hong Kong

As mentioned, the Standing Committee of the Chinese National People's Congress, the body responsible for the legislation and serving as the country's parliament and being a rubber stamp for the decisions of the government and the Communist Party, yesterday approved the Hong Kong National Security Act in its expanded version. 

The law was approved after 162 members of the Chinese People's Congress voted in favor of it, with a vote of about fifteen minutes, and are already in effect today.