The US-China Podcast
Hong Kong’s Crossroads: Legal, Political, and Social Transformation under the National Security Law
Mar 31, 2025
Carole Petersen, a renowned law professor focused on human rights in Hong Kong, and Ho-Fung Hung, a political economist at Johns Hopkins, delve into the ramifications of the National Security Law. They discuss the law's impact on civil liberties and the future of democratic practices in Hong Kong. With ongoing changes affecting the Legislative Council and rising human rights concerns, they analyze the unsettling landscape for LGBT rights and the broader implications for U.S.-China relations and Hong Kong's status as a global financial center.
42:21
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Quick takeaways
- The National Security Law in Hong Kong has drastically altered the legal landscape, resulting in prolonged pretrial detentions and diminished civil liberties.
- Despite significant challenges introduced by the NSL, there are emerging positive trends in specific areas like LGBT rights, indicating potential judicial resilience.
Deep dives
Impact of the National Security Law on Hong Kong's Legal System
The enforcement of the National Security Law (NSL) in Hong Kong has resulted in significant changes to the local legal framework. The government is utilizing broadly defined criminal offenses to detain defendants for extended periods without trial, fundamentally altering the presumption of bail and jury trials. Many defendants now face pretrial detention for months or even years, raising concerns about the erosion of Hong Kong’s reputation for rule of law. This shift suggests a move towards a dual legal system where traditional protections remain in some areas, like LGBT rights, but are markedly absent in national security contexts.
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