In a year, a single law has decimated human rights in Hong Kong

The national security law has spread fear among Hong Kong residents, stifling critical voices.

Local buses, recycling bins and leafletting were among Tiffany Yuen’s main responsibilities as an elected official when she was arrested for violating Hong Kong’s national security law and sent to jail. Absurd as it may sound, it is a fact that encapsulates the rapid decay of human rights in the city since a single piece of legislation was enacted one year ago today. In the 12 months since it was imposed by the Chinese government, the national security law has been used as a pretext to stifle – and ultimately obliterate – voices critical of the Hong Kong or Beijing authorities.