Fact Check: Hundreds arrested under national security law since its implementation in 2020.

Fact Check: "Hundreds arrested under national security law since its implementation in 2020."

What We Know

The claim that "hundreds have been arrested under the national security law since its implementation in 2020" is supported by multiple credible sources. The Hong Kong national security law (NSL) was enacted on July 1, 2020, in response to widespread pro-democracy protests in the city. This law criminalizes acts of secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign forces, with severe penalties including life imprisonment for serious offenders (BBC).

Following the law's implementation, police reported that approximately 370 protesters were arrested on the very first day, marking a significant enforcement of the new legislation (NPR). By July 2023, it was reported that around 260 individuals had been arrested under the NSL, with 79 of them facing charges (BBC). This indicates a sustained pattern of arrests under the law since its inception.

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from reputable news organizations, including the BBC and NPR, which have reported on the arrests made under the NSL. The BBC article outlines the law's implications and the context of its introduction, noting that it has led to a climate of fear among activists and journalists (BBC). NPR corroborates this by detailing the arrests that occurred immediately after the law was enacted, emphasizing the law's controversial nature and its role in suppressing dissent (NPR).

Other sources, such as The New York Times, also provide insight into the law's enforcement and its chilling effect on civil liberties in Hong Kong (NYT). The reliability of these sources is high, as they are established media outlets known for their investigative journalism and adherence to factual reporting standards.

However, it is important to note that while the law has been used to arrest many individuals, the exact number of arrests can vary based on the time frame and specific events being reported. For instance, while the initial days saw nearly 400 arrests, the total number of arrests reported over the years has fluctuated, but consistently remains in the hundreds (NYT, CNBC).

Conclusion

Verdict: True. The claim that "hundreds have been arrested under the national security law since its implementation in 2020" is accurate. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that the law has led to significant arrests, particularly in the immediate aftermath of its enactment and continuing into subsequent years.

Sources

1. Hong Kong national security law: What is it and is it worrying? - BBC
2. Hong Kong Police Arrest Hundreds Of Protesters Under New National Security Law - NPR
3. Hong Kong Security Law Sends a Chill Over the City - The New York Times
4. China's National Security Law for Hong Kong, Explained - The New York Times
5. Jailing of 45 Hong Kong democrats in national security trial - Reuters
6. Hong Kong national security law protests: 370 arrested - CNBC
7. Hong Kong protests: First arrest made under new security law - CNN