New film law bringing Hong Kong in line with mainland censorship

Today, the Hong Kong Government announced a censorship law which will be used to ensure that films screened in the city in the past have not violated the national security, with those found guilty facing up to three years in jail or a HK$1 million fine.

Under the new law, set to be voted on in Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing dominated Legislature, the authorities will have the power to revoke the licence of venues that show films that are deemed “contrary to the interests of national security”.

The law will bring Hong Kong into line with mainland China where films are rigorously censored to ensure that there is no content which could undermine the Chinese Communist Party’s rule.

Commenting on the new law, Johnny Patterson, Hong Kong Watch’s Policy Director, said:

“Hong Kong is renowned for its world-class films and rich cultural scene. It is a sad to see the Chinese Communist Party strip that away in the name of state security.

It is yet further evidence of China’s breach of its international obligations and its commitment to respect the freedoms and way of life of the people of Hong Kong.

This transparent and draconian censorship law is clearly designed to continue Beijing’s ongoing crackdown against the pro-democracy movement. The international community should see it as further evidence of the deteriorating human rights situation and the need for viable lifelines for Hong Kongers to leave the city.”