Carrie Lam says Hong Kong security law ‘no threat to freedoms’

The city’s chief executive told reporters that there was “no need for us to worry” over the move being considered by China’s ceremonial National People’s Congress.

The move by China to pass the legislation signals the central government’s determination to take greater control of Hong Kong after months of pro-democracy protests last year. Picture: AP Photo/Vincent Yu.

Hong Kong’s leader has said national security legislation proposed by China’s legislature will not threaten the semi-autonomous territory’s civil rights.

Carrie Lam’s comments came amid widespread criticism of the move as an encroachment on freedom of speech and assembly.