The Government of Hong Kong has passed a new legislation banning films that are contrary to China’s national security interest.
The new legislation empowers the film censors in Hong Kong to evaluate whether the exhibition of a film would be “contrary” to the interests of national security before allowing it to be screened in China.
The film censorship law empowers Hong Kong’s chief secretary to revoke a film’s licence if it is found to endorse, support, glorify, encourage and incite activities that might endanger national security. An inspector authorised by the censorship agency may also enter and search premises without a warrant when they are trying to halt an unauthorised film screening or publication, if it is “not reasonably practicable” to obtain a warrant.
The punishment for contravention of law includes up to three years imprisonment and $130,000 (£95,000) in fines.
*Tanvi Singh, Editorial Assistant has reported this brief.