Timeline of reactions to the 2020 Hong Kong national security law (September–November 2021)

This entry details the reactions to the 2020 Hong Kong national security law from September 2021 to November 2021. This period saw continued international condemnation of the law and its impact on Hong Kong's civil liberties, as well as further actions taken against individuals and organizations perceived as threats to national security by the Hong Kong and Chinese governments.

September 2021:

• Continued Sanctions: Various countries, including the United States, continued to maintain sanctions on individuals and entities deemed responsible for undermining Hong Kong's autonomy. Discussions surrounding further sanctions were ongoing in some legislative bodies.
• Education Sector Scrutiny: Increased scrutiny and pressure were placed on the education sector in Hong Kong to promote national security education. Textbooks and curriculum materials were reviewed and revised to align with the national security law. Teachers faced pressure to self-censor and report any perceived violations of the law by students.
• Civil Society Organizations Under Pressure: Several civil society organizations, particularly those focusing on human rights and democracy, faced increasing pressure and potential investigations under the national security law. Some organizations opted to disband or relocate to avoid potential repercussions.
• European Parliament Resolution: The European Parliament passed a resolution condemning the erosion of freedoms in Hong Kong and calling for targeted sanctions against Hong Kong and Chinese officials responsible for implementing the national security law.
• United Nations Human Rights Council Concerns: The United Nations Human Rights Council expressed concerns about the broad interpretation and application of the national security law and its impact on fundamental rights and freedoms.

October 2021:

• Electoral Changes Impact: The impact of electoral changes imposed earlier in the year, designed to ensure only "patriots" govern Hong Kong, became more evident. The diminished role of pro-democracy candidates and parties in the political landscape continued to draw international criticism.
• Detentions and Trials: Individuals arrested under the national security law continued to face trial, with many denied bail. The judicial process and fairness of trials were questioned by international observers. Sentences were handed down to some individuals convicted under the law, often resulting in lengthy prison terms.
• Business Environment Concerns: Concerns about the impact of the national security law on Hong Kong's business environment persisted. Businesses worried about potential risks associated with data security, freedom of expression, and compliance with the law's broad provisions.
• Media Freedom Restrictions: Restrictions on media freedom continued, with journalists facing increased scrutiny and pressure. Self-censorship became more prevalent among media outlets. The closure of some independent media outlets signaled a shrinking space for dissenting voices.

November 2021:

• Legislative Council Elections Preparations: Preparations for the upcoming Legislative Council elections, now conducted under the revised electoral system, intensified. The lack of genuine competition and limited representation for pro-democracy voices raised concerns about the legitimacy of the elections.
• International Monitoring: International organizations and governments continued to monitor the situation in Hong Kong and issued reports documenting the ongoing erosion of civil liberties and democratic institutions.
• Academic Freedom Concerns: Concerns about academic freedom persisted, with universities facing pressure to align their research and teaching with the national security law. Some academics reported self-censorship and restrictions on their academic pursuits.
• Public Opinion: Public opinion regarding the national security law remained divided, with some residents supporting the law's aim to restore stability and others expressing concerns about its impact on fundamental rights and freedoms. Demonstrations and public expressions of dissent were increasingly rare due to the risks of arrest and prosecution.