For a 2nd summer time in a row, political unrest has returned to the streets of Hong Kong.

Hundreds of protesters were arrested in the chaotic procuring district of Causeway Bay on Wednesday, July 1, after China’s central govt imposed a countrywide stability legislation about the semi-autonomous city. Protesters and law enforcement also clashed in May perhaps and June after the protection law was 1st proposed.

The new law radically broadens the powers of community and mainland authorities to look into, prosecute and punish dissenters.

Critics say the legislation has stripped Hong Kong of its autonomy and treasured civil and social freedoms. The Chinese and community governments argue it truly is necessary to control unrest and uphold mainland sovereignty.

Last summer months, anti-govt protests had been sparked by solid opposition to a proposed extradition law. Critics feared the bill would permit citizens to be despatched across the border into mainland China. Hong Kong Main Government Carrie Lam withdrew the bill in September but refused to give ground on 4 other needs, which involve better democracy for the metropolis and an unbiased fee into law enforcement perform.