csmonitor--2020-07-01--Hong Kongers fear drastic law marks ‘before’ and ‘after’

“ This national security law clearly is a lethal blow demolishing the firewall between the two systems , ” says Professor Kenneth Chan , a former Hong Kong lawmaker .
The aim , according to analysts , is to extend the control system long used in the mainland , relying heavily on self-censorship .
People curb their behavior inordinately because they are never sure where the line is that they can not cross .
Twenty-three years ago today , when Britain handed Hong Kong back to mainland China , Beijing agreed to protect the territory ’ s freedoms and partial @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But the new law broadly defines national security crimes , expands Beijing ’ s control over related cases , and opens the door for Hong Kongers to be tried in mainland courts – all of which , critics say , will chill free speech .
The full text of the law was released late Tuesday night , after the territory ’ s chief executive had signed and promulgated it .
It was a move carefully choreographed to quash unrest and instill fear , analysts say , in this city of 7 million people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ liberties than citizens enjoy in mainland China .
On Wednesday morning , Hong Kongers woke up subject to a new national security law , handed down from Beijing .
But few knew what was in it .
Hong Kong residents awoke Wednesday to a stark new reality : China ’ s state-security apparatus has them within easy reach following Beijing ’ s swift and secretive imposition on the territory of a sweeping national security law .
The new law drew protests by 27 countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of the Asian financial center .
Critics say it destroys a legal firewall that had offered some protection for basic rights against the rule of China ’ s Communist Party .
The top-down enactment of the law on Tuesday night , bypassing Hong Kong ’ s legislature , belies the “ one country , two systems ” formula that China pledged to uphold for 50 years after regaining sovereignty over Hong Kong , a former British colony , in 1997 .
“ It marks the end of Hong Kong that the world knew @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wong .
He and other activists immediately disbanded their organizations , while vowing to continue their fight in a personal capacity .
Despite the heightened risks , protesters took to the streets to oppose the law on Wednesday , the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong ’ s handover from Britain to China .
Riot police arrested about 370 people , including 10 they suspected of breaking the new law – the first of whom , police said , was a man who held a “ Hong Kong Independence ” flag .
Police raised @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breaching the security law .
“ The time for collective self-delusion … is over , ” says Alvin Cheung , a Hong Kong barrister and university lecturer now at New York University , predicting prosecutions under the new law of several prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures .
“ We ’ ve seen that Beijing is able and willing in the current climate to ram this legislation down everybody ’ s throats .
I would imagine they are unlikely to sit on it now that they have obtained it.
” The law broadly defines @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , terrorism , and collusion with foreign “ elements ” – with a maximum penalty of life in prison .
But it also opens the door wide for not only Hong Kong citizens , but anyone , to be apprehended by Chinese state-security agents , sent to the mainland , tried in courts controlled by the Communist Party , and punished under China ’ s criminal code .
The law allows Chinese state-security authorities to operate secretly through a new National Security Agency ( NSA ) in Hong Kong , which can take @ @ @ @ @ @ @ complex , ” “ serious ” or that involve a “ major ” threat .
Overnight , Hong Kong residents had to calibrate how to respond to the new risk of prosecution by Chinese authorities .
The full text of the law was withheld from Hong Kongers until just before midnight on Tuesday , when it was published after Hong Kong ’ s Chief Executive Carrie Lam signed and promulgated it .
Beijing carefully choreographed the move to quash unrest and instill fear in the city of 7 million people on China ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ political analysts .
“ Everything is kept in a black box ... in the dark ... in this shock and awe campaign against Hong Kong , ” says Kenneth Chan , associate professor of government at Hong Kong Baptist University .
“ It is right of Hong Kong people to prepare for the worst.
” Beijing ’ s aim , analysts say , is to extend to Hong Kong the same psychological control system long used in mainland China , one that relies heavily on self-censorship .
People curb their behavior inordinately because @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is that they can not cross .
“ The ambiguity of the law is the most frightening part , ” says Hong Kong activist Glacier Kwong .
This puts at risk civil liberties such as freedom of speech and protest , activists say .
For example , posting on social media about organizing protests in Hong Kong could be cast as attempts to overthrow the government and subject to prosecution , Ms. Kwong says .
In terms of Hong Kong ’ s autonomy , “ this national security law clearly is a lethal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ systems , ” says Professor Chan , a former Hong Kong lawmaker .
In its place , the law creates a “ dual state ” inside Hong Kong , with two different legal tracks for prosecuting national security crimes .
Beijing holds the prerogative to take jurisdiction of cases as it sees fit .
“ This is pretty much a textbook example of the dual state , ” says Mr. Cheung , a nonresident affiliated scholar of NYU ’ s U.S.-Asia Law Institute .
“ Every single person is left at the mercy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not you get arrested and prosecuted is entirely dependent on the whims of the [ Chinese Communist ] Party.
” Hong Kong ’ s chief executive , Ms. Lam , says the law will only be applied in “ rare ” cases , and will not be applied retroactively .
Beijing has long sought to tighten its hold over Hong Kong , and the leadership has been frustrated – if not embarrassed – by the open defiance of millions of Hong Kong “ compatriots , ” experts say .
China ’ s leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ apparatus in October , after months in which Hong Kong failed to quell mass pro-democracy protests .
Earlier efforts by Hong Kong lawmakers to pass national security legislation , as required by the Basic Law , were thwarted by popular opposition .
Mass protests erupted in June 2019 over a proposed extradition law , later withdrawn , that would have allowed some criminal suspects in the territory to be tried in the mainland .
Millions of citizens of all ages and walks of life took to the streets to oppose Beijing ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and demand universal suffrage and police accountability .
The protests were largely peaceful , although some protesters clashed with police and vandalized metro stations , government offices , and pro-Beijing businesses .
Beijing labeled the protests akin to “ terrorism ” and said they were instigated by foreign forces , or “ black hands.
” The new law echoes such charges and seems tailored to counter the protests – for example by labeling destruction of vehicles as “ terrorism ” and damaging government facilities as “ subversion.
” Signaling the unfolding chill , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ going dark .
Futures here – or elsewhere ?
In addition to stifling the protest movement , the law may be timed to prevent anticipated gains by Hong Kong ’ s pro-democracy candidates in legislative elections scheduled for September .
Last November , pro-democracy candidates won a landslide victory in district council elections .
Anyone convicted of violating national security is disqualified from holding or running for public office , allowing for a possible purge of democrats and localists from elected bodies .
Hong Kong public university presidents are required to pledge allegiance @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chan says , and some scholars fear self-censorship in classrooms and research will soon follow .
Hong Kong ’ s foreign business community , meanwhile , worries about how the law undercuts the territory ’ s independent judiciary , and about its authorization of covert surveillance and the intercept of communications .
The law says national security authorities in Hong Kong will take unspecified “ necessary measures to strengthen ” the management of foreign organizations , nongovernmental organizations , and news agencies in the territory .
In a June survey taken by the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ( AmCham ) , 83 % of respondents said they were “ very concerned or moderately concerned ” by the impending law .
Nearly half expressed pessimism about Hong Kong ’ s medium- and long-term outlook .
But with interests in China and no clear alternative location , most said they had no immediate plans to leave .
About 1,300 U.S.-owned companies and 100,000 Americans are based in Hong Kong .
As for Hong Kongers , some are seeking refuge abroad .
Taiwan opened a new office Wednesday to help those fleeing , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has vowed to create a path to citizenship for many Hong Kongers .
But others such as Professor Chan envision “ a new chapter for Hong Kong ’ s pro-democracy movement , ” now that the myth of “ one country , two systems ” has been fully revealed .
“ Never succumb to the inevitability of dictatorship , ” he says .
“ Live a life as human beings and embrace uncertainty .
A lot of people in Hong Kong will continue to do that .
”

“This national security law clearly is a lethal blow demolishing the firewall between the two systems,” says Professor Kenneth Chan, a former Hong Kong lawmaker.
The aim, according to analysts, is to extend the control system long used in the mainland, relying heavily on self-censorship. People curb their behavior inordinately because they are never sure where the line is that they cannot cross.
Twenty-three years ago today, when Britain handed Hong Kong back to mainland China, Beijing agreed to protect the territory’s freedoms and partial autonomy, at least until 2047. But the new law broadly defines national security crimes, expands Beijing’s control over related cases, and opens the door for Hong Kongers to be tried in mainland courts – all of which, critics say, will chill free speech.
Little by little, and then all at once. After years of concerns about shrinking space for freedom in Hong Kong, residents woke up Wednesday subject to a law that pro-democracy critics say draws a clear line between the Hong Kong they have known, and whatever lies ahead.
The full text of the law was released late Tuesday night, after the territory’s chief executive had signed and promulgated it. It was a move carefully choreographed to quash unrest and instill fear, analysts say, in this city of 7 million people – a city accustomed to far more liberties than citizens enjoy in mainland China.
On Wednesday morning, Hong Kongers woke up subject to a new national security law, handed down from Beijing. But few knew what was in it.
Hong Kong residents awoke Wednesday to a stark new reality: China’s state-security apparatus has them within easy reach following Beijing’s swift and secretive imposition on the territory of a sweeping national security law.
The new law drew protests by 27 countries at the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva for undermining the freedoms and semiautonomous status of the Asian financial center. Critics say it destroys a legal firewall that had offered some protection for basic rights against the rule of China’s Communist Party.
The top-down enactment of the law on Tuesday night, bypassing Hong Kong’s legislature, belies the “one country, two systems” formula that China pledged to uphold for 50 years after regaining sovereignty over Hong Kong, a former British colony, in 1997.
Why We Wrote This Little by little, and then all at once. After years of concerns about shrinking space for freedom in Hong Kong, residents woke up Wednesday subject to a law that pro-democracy critics say draws a clear line between the Hong Kong they have known, and whatever lies ahead.
“It marks the end of Hong Kong that the world knew before,” tweeted pro-democracy campaigner Joshua Wong. He and other activists immediately disbanded their organizations, while vowing to continue their fight in a personal capacity.
Despite the heightened risks, protesters took to the streets to oppose the law on Wednesday, the 23rd anniversary of Hong Kong’s handover from Britain to China. Riot police arrested about 370 people, including 10 they suspected of breaking the new law – the first of whom, police said, was a man who held a “Hong Kong Independence” flag. Police raised purple flags warning protesters they may be breaching the security law.
“The time for collective self-delusion … is over,” says Alvin Cheung, a Hong Kong barrister and university lecturer now at New York University, predicting prosecutions under the new law of several prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures. “We’ve seen that Beijing is able and willing in the current climate to ram this legislation down everybody’s throats. I would imagine they are unlikely to sit on it now that they have obtained it.”
The law broadly defines national security crimes – secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign “elements” – with a maximum penalty of life in prison. But it also opens the door wide for not only Hong Kong citizens, but anyone, to be apprehended by Chinese state-security agents, sent to the mainland, tried in courts controlled by the Communist Party, and punished under China’s criminal code.
The law allows Chinese state-security authorities to operate secretly through a new National Security Agency (NSA) in Hong Kong, which can take jurisdiction of any cases it considers “complex,” “serious” or that involve a “major” threat.
High-stakes confusion
Overnight, Hong Kong residents had to calibrate how to respond to the new risk of prosecution by Chinese authorities.
The full text of the law was withheld from Hong Kongers until just before midnight on Tuesday, when it was published after Hong Kong’s Chief Executive Carrie Lam signed and promulgated it.
Beijing carefully choreographed the move to quash unrest and instill fear in the city of 7 million people on China’s southern coast, say Hong Kong political analysts.
Kin Cheung/AP View caption Hide caption Police detain a protester during a march marking the anniversary of Hong Kong's handover from Britain to China on July 1, 2020, in Hong Kong. One day earlier, China enacted a national security law that cracks down on protests in the territory.
“Everything is kept in a black box ... in the dark ... in this shock and awe campaign against Hong Kong,” says Kenneth Chan, associate professor of government at Hong Kong Baptist University. “It is right of Hong Kong people to prepare for the worst.”
Beijing’s aim, analysts say, is to extend to Hong Kong the same psychological control system long used in mainland China, one that relies heavily on self-censorship. People curb their behavior inordinately because they are never sure where the line is that they cannot cross.
“The ambiguity of the law is the most frightening part,” says Hong Kong activist Glacier Kwong.
This puts at risk civil liberties such as freedom of speech and protest, activists say. For example, posting on social media about organizing protests in Hong Kong could be cast as attempts to overthrow the government and subject to prosecution, Ms. Kwong says.
Dual state danger
In terms of Hong Kong’s autonomy, “this national security law clearly is a lethal blow demolishing the firewall between the two systems,” says Professor Chan, a former Hong Kong lawmaker.
In its place, the law creates a “dual state” inside Hong Kong, with two different legal tracks for prosecuting national security crimes. Beijing holds the prerogative to take jurisdiction of cases as it sees fit.
“This is pretty much a textbook example of the dual state,” says Mr. Cheung, a nonresident affiliated scholar of NYU’s U.S.-Asia Law Institute. “Every single person is left at the mercy of the state, and whether or not you get arrested and prosecuted is entirely dependent on the whims of the [Chinese Communist] Party.”
Hong Kong’s chief executive, Ms. Lam, says the law will only be applied in “rare” cases, and will not be applied retroactively.
Beijing has long sought to tighten its hold over Hong Kong, and the leadership has been frustrated – if not embarrassed – by the open defiance of millions of Hong Kong “compatriots,” experts say.
China’s leadership began calling for strengthening the national security apparatus in October, after months in which Hong Kong failed to quell mass pro-democracy protests. Earlier efforts by Hong Kong lawmakers to pass national security legislation, as required by the Basic Law, were thwarted by popular opposition.
Mass protests erupted in June 2019 over a proposed extradition law, later withdrawn, that would have allowed some criminal suspects in the territory to be tried in the mainland. Millions of citizens of all ages and walks of life took to the streets to oppose Beijing’s erosion of Hong Kong’s autonomy and demand universal suffrage and police accountability.
The protests were largely peaceful, although some protesters clashed with police and vandalized metro stations, government offices, and pro-Beijing businesses. Beijing labeled the protests akin to “terrorism” and said they were instigated by foreign forces, or “black hands.”
The new law echoes such charges and seems tailored to counter the protests – for example by labeling destruction of vehicles as “terrorism” and damaging government facilities as “subversion.” Signaling the unfolding chill, numerous social media accounts of activists are going dark.
Futures here – or elsewhere?
In addition to stifling the protest movement, the law may be timed to prevent anticipated gains by Hong Kong’s pro-democracy candidates in legislative elections scheduled for September. Last November, pro-democracy candidates won a landslide victory in district council elections.
Anyone convicted of violating national security is disqualified from holding or running for public office, allowing for a possible purge of democrats and localists from elected bodies.
Hong Kong public university presidents are required to pledge allegiance to the national security law, Professor Chan says, and some scholars fear self-censorship in classrooms and research will soon follow.
Hong Kong’s foreign business community, meanwhile, worries about how the law undercuts the territory’s independent judiciary, and about its authorization of covert surveillance and the intercept of communications.
The law says national security authorities in Hong Kong will take unspecified “necessary measures to strengthen” the management of foreign organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and news agencies in the territory.
In a June survey taken by the American Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong (AmCham), 83% of respondents said they were “very concerned or moderately concerned” by the impending law. Nearly half expressed pessimism about Hong Kong’s medium- and long-term outlook. But with interests in China and no clear alternative location, most said they had no immediate plans to leave. About 1,300 U.S.-owned companies and 100,000 Americans are based in Hong Kong.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
As for Hong Kongers, some are seeking refuge abroad. Taiwan opened a new office Wednesday to help those fleeing, Reuters reported, and the United Kingdom has vowed to create a path to citizenship for many Hong Kongers.
But others such as Professor Chan envision “a new chapter for Hong Kong’s pro-democracy movement,” now that the myth of “one country, two systems” has been fully revealed. “Never succumb to the inevitability of dictatorship,” he says. “Live a life as human beings and embrace uncertainty. A lot of people in Hong Kong will continue to do that.”


csmonitor--2020-07-01--As tourist drought idles workers, Spain weaves a makeshift safety net

“ Every little thing can help save the small enterprises , ” says Professor Enrique Navarro-Jurado of the University of Málaga .
“ The key is to reduce their costs as much as possible until activity resumes.
” Early on , the government put in place an extraordinary provision for self-employed workers whose businesses were forced to shut down or lost most of their revenue due to the state of emergency declared on March 13 .
That includes waivers of social security payments , a furlough scheme under which the government covers 70 % of base salary , and government-backed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic sector for Spain since the beginning of modern industry in the 1950s .
In 2019 , it attracted more than 83 million international visitors , making it the most popular tourism destination in the world after France .
It accounts for about 2.5 % of gross domestic product and generates nearly 15 % of jobs .
From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic , Spain ’ s economic response placed special emphasis on tourism , small and medium-size enterprises , and autonomous ( self-employed ) workers .
Every thread in its patchwork @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of legislation , represents a lifeline for struggling businesses .
Daniel González and his sister opened their hotel in 2003 in Asturias , northwest Spain , after taking out a loan to remodel an old townhouse .
Seven years later , during the financial crisis , they sliced costs , doubled their working hours , and renegotiated their loan terms to stay open .
Now , emerging from Spain ’ s coronavirus lockdown , they are mulling the benefits of reopening with a bare-bones staff , complex and costly hygiene requirements , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ But were it not for the support provided by the government ’ s response , things might be even grimmer .
“ COVID forced us to shut down , but there is government help , ” says Mr. González .
“ We can hold out for the moment .
I imagine the problem will come later when we need to start spending more but have no customers , or fewer customers than usual.
” From the beginning of the crisis , Spain ’ s economic response placed special emphasis on tourism , small @ @ @ @ @ @ @ self-employed ) workers like Mr. González .
Every thread in this patchwork of aid , stretched across six pieces of legislation , represents a lifeline for struggling businesses .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .
Mr. González has deferred tax payments , sought reimbursement of the social security contributions he makes as an autonomous worker , and signed up for a low-interest loan in order to keep the hotel afloat .
He has even placed one of his hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ It ’ s a bit early to assess the government response , ” says Mr. González , who is among Spain ’ s 3.2 million registered self-employed workers .
“ Many measures have been taken on the fly and the management has been quite chaotic.
” Tourism has been a key economic sector for Spain since the beginning of modern industry in the 1950s .
In 2019 , it attracted more than 83 million international visitors , making it the most popular tourism destination in the world after France .
Tourism accounts @ @ @ @ @ @ @ product and generates nearly 15 % of jobs .
In many regions , particularly the islands and coastal areas , tourism accounts for an even larger share of economic activity and employment opportunities .
That ’ s why Spain has focused a significant portion of its safety net efforts during the lockdown toward tourism workers ; Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently announced a €4.25 billion ( $ 4.75 billion ) package to boost the industry .
Early on , the government put in place an extraordinary provision for self-employed workers whose businesses were @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their revenue due to the state of emergency declared on March 13 .
In principle , Mr. González ’ s social security contributions of €360 ( $ 400 ) per month were waived for part of March and all of April , but he still had to pay both months ; he only recently had that reimbursement completed .
( He was off the hook for May and June payments . )
Meanwhile , the employee on furlough – under a temporary layoff known as ERTE , in which the government covers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of the end of June has received only €1,200 , a bit more than half of what he should be due between March 23 and June 15 under the scheme .
He got through the lockdown thanks to the salary of his wife .
Mr. González wants to bring him back on board in July , but doubts he will have the means to rehire the other two seasonal workers who usually help cover the peak summer months .
“ The biggest saving for me is not having to pay an additional @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ But what gives me peace of mind is the loan .
We don ’ t know yet to what extent this crisis will affect the economy.
” The bank has approved a government-backed loan of up to €50,000 to be paid over five years at 1.6 % interest .
By the end of 2020 , depending on the strength of summer revenues , Mr. González must decide whether to ask for the full amount or part of it .
He is leaning toward asking for the lion ’ s share so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ interest loan he took for the hotel .
“ Every little thing can help save the small enterprises , ” notes Professor Enrique Navarro-Jurado , director of the University Institute of Tourism Intelligence and Innovation Research of the University of Málaga .
“ The key is to reduce their costs as much as possible until activity resumes .
And you can ’ t expect them to hire the entire staff back when activity does resume , because they will not be operating at the same scale.
” The Spanish government forecasts a 10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by a staggered “ square-root shaped ” recovery in 2021 .
Unemployment is expected to skyrocket to 19 % this year .
Many are hoping that the vital minimum wage announced in May with a goal of reaching 2.3 million people ( out of a population of nearly 47 million ) will help the most vulnerable .
Tourism experts say it is too early to tell how many people from the sector will need that kind of aid .
“ Many tourism employees do not have legal contracts .
They are working in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , an expert in the sociology of tourism at the University of Alicante .
“ Tourism companies are not only facing a lower season than in other years but they are coming out of months of losses , ” says Luis Miguel Rondón , a member of the board of directors of AECIT , the Spanish Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism .
“ They already lost Easter , long weekends , and the northern Europeans who come to Spain in the spring.
” The summer tourism season is now officially open for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Germans in Mallorca , under a pilot program implementing a special screening process on landing .
The target is to open up to the rest of the world – except countries experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 infections – in early July .
Hotel owners large and small are in for challenging times .
As many as 45 % of hotels and restaurants catering to tourists risk going belly up , according to industry assessments .
Spain has considered extending the temporary furlough scheme until September or even the end of the year @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic has been brutal , ” says Mr. Mazón .
The 2008 financial crisis was child ’ s play compared to this .
More people were left unemployed then but this time the whole country has stopped .
Everything – hotels , restraints , bars – and everyone stopped.
” Editor ’ s note : As a public service , all our coronavirus coverage is free .
No paywall .

“Every little thing can help save the small enterprises,” says Professor Enrique Navarro-Jurado of the University of Málaga. “The key is to reduce their costs as much as possible until activity resumes.”
Early on, the government put in place an extraordinary provision for self-employed workers whose businesses were forced to shut down or lost most of their revenue due to the state of emergency declared on March 13. That includes waivers of social security payments, a furlough scheme under which the government covers 70% of base salary, and government-backed loans.
Spain’s economy depends in part on the well-being of its tourism industry, so the government has created a raft of options to help keep its workers afloat. And they are taking advantage of all of them. Part 3 of “ One pandemic, many safety nets: A global series. ”
Tourism has been a key economic sector for Spain since the beginning of modern industry in the 1950s. In 2019, it attracted more than 83 million international visitors, making it the most popular tourism destination in the world after France. It accounts for about 2.5% of gross domestic product and generates nearly 15% of jobs.
From the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, Spain’s economic response placed special emphasis on tourism, small and medium-size enterprises, and autonomous (self-employed) workers. Every thread in its patchwork of aid, stretched across six pieces of legislation, represents a lifeline for struggling businesses.
Daniel González and his sister opened their hotel in 2003 in Asturias, northwest Spain, after taking out a loan to remodel an old townhouse. Seven years later, during the financial crisis, they sliced costs, doubled their working hours, and renegotiated their loan terms to stay open.
Now, emerging from Spain’s coronavirus lockdown, they are mulling the benefits of reopening with a bare-bones staff, complex and costly hygiene requirements, and only a modest trickle of bookings. But were it not for the support provided by the government’s response, things might be even grimmer.
“COVID forced us to shut down, but there is government help,” says Mr. González. “We can hold out for the moment. I imagine the problem will come later when we need to start spending more but have no customers, or fewer customers than usual.”
Why We Wrote This Spain’s economy depends in part on the well-being of its tourism industry, so the government has created a raft of options to help keep its workers afloat. And they are taking advantage of all of them. Part 3 of “One pandemic, many safety nets: A global series.”
From the beginning of the crisis, Spain’s economic response placed special emphasis on tourism, small and medium-size enterprises, and autonomous (self-employed) workers like Mr. González. Every thread in this patchwork of aid, stretched across six pieces of legislation, represents a lifeline for struggling businesses.
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.
Mr. González has deferred tax payments, sought reimbursement of the social security contributions he makes as an autonomous worker, and signed up for a low-interest loan in order to keep the hotel afloat. He has even placed one of his hotel workers in a temporary furlough scheme.
“It’s a bit early to assess the government response,” says Mr. González, who is among Spain’s 3.2 million registered self-employed workers. “Many measures have been taken on the fly and the management has been quite chaotic.”
“Every little thing can help”
Tourism has been a key economic sector for Spain since the beginning of modern industry in the 1950s. In 2019, it attracted more than 83 million international visitors, making it the most popular tourism destination in the world after France. Tourism accounts for about 2.5% of gross domestic product and generates nearly 15% of jobs. In many regions, particularly the islands and coastal areas, tourism accounts for an even larger share of economic activity and employment opportunities.
That’s why Spain has focused a significant portion of its safety net efforts during the lockdown toward tourism workers; Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently announced a €4.25 billion ($4.75 billion) package to boost the industry.
Courtesy of Daniel González View caption Hide caption Daniel González sits in his office at the Hotel La Corte de Lugás in Villaviciosa, Spain, on June 29, 2020. He and his sister survived the 2008 financial crisis and hope to overcome the economic fallout of the coronavirus pandemic with government help.
Early on, the government put in place an extraordinary provision for self-employed workers whose businesses were forced to shut down or lost most of their revenue due to the state of emergency declared on March 13. In principle, Mr. González’s social security contributions of €360 ($400) per month were waived for part of March and all of April, but he still had to pay both months; he only recently had that reimbursement completed. (He was off the hook for May and June payments.)
Meanwhile, the employee on furlough – under a temporary layoff known as ERTE, in which the government covers 70% of the base salary – as of the end of June has received only €1,200, a bit more than half of what he should be due between March 23 and June 15 under the scheme. He got through the lockdown thanks to the salary of his wife. Mr. González wants to bring him back on board in July, but doubts he will have the means to rehire the other two seasonal workers who usually help cover the peak summer months.
“The biggest saving for me is not having to pay an additional salary,” says the hotel owner. “But what gives me peace of mind is the loan. We don’t know yet to what extent this crisis will affect the economy.”
The bank has approved a government-backed loan of up to €50,000 to be paid over five years at 1.6% interest. By the end of 2020, depending on the strength of summer revenues, Mr. González must decide whether to ask for the full amount or part of it. He is leaning toward asking for the lion’s share so he can settle the initial, higher interest loan he took for the hotel.
Jacob Turcotte/Staff
“Every little thing can help save the small enterprises,” notes Professor Enrique Navarro-Jurado, director of the University Institute of Tourism Intelligence and Innovation Research of the University of Málaga. “The key is to reduce their costs as much as possible until activity resumes. And you can’t expect them to hire the entire staff back when activity does resume, because they will not be operating at the same scale.”
The Spanish government forecasts a 10% drop in GDP in 2020 followed by a staggered “square-root shaped” recovery in 2021. Unemployment is expected to skyrocket to 19% this year. Many are hoping that the vital minimum wage announced in May with a goal of reaching 2.3 million people (out of a population of nearly 47 million) will help the most vulnerable. Tourism experts say it is too early to tell how many people from the sector will need that kind of aid.
“Many tourism employees do not have legal contracts. They are working in the dark,” notes Tomas Mazón, an expert in the sociology of tourism at the University of Alicante.
“Tourism companies are not only facing a lower season than in other years but they are coming out of months of losses,” says Luis Miguel Rondón, a member of the board of directors of AECIT, the Spanish Association of Scientific Experts in Tourism. “They already lost Easter, long weekends, and the northern Europeans who come to Spain in the spring.”
The summer tourism season is now officially open for Europeans. The first to arrive were Germans in Mallorca, under a pilot program implementing a special screening process on landing. The target is to open up to the rest of the world – except countries experiencing a high rate of COVID-19 infections – in early July.
Hotel owners large and small are in for challenging times. As many as 45% of hotels and restaurants catering to tourists risk going belly up, according to industry assessments. Spain has considered extending the temporary furlough scheme until September or even the end of the year.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
“The impact of the coronavirus pandemic has been brutal,” says Mr. Mazón. The 2008 financial crisis was child’s play compared to this. More people were left unemployed then but this time the whole country has stopped. Everything – hotels, restraints, bars – and everyone stopped.”
Editor’s note: As a public service, all our coronavirus coverage is free. No paywall.


csmonitor--2020-07-01--On Phyllis Schlafly, Gloria Steinem, and ‘Mrs. America'

I ’ m glad my 20-something daughter recommended the Hulu mini-series “ Mrs .
America , ” a dramatic retelling of the 1970s battle to pass the Equal Rights Amendment .
It pits Phyllis Schlafly , the conservative activist from Alton , Ill. , against the leaders of second-wave feminism , such as Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan .
With Cate Blanchett as Mrs. Schlafly – and she was always “ Mrs. ” – and Rose Byrne as Ms. Steinem , what ’ s not to love ?
Plenty , it turns out .
I immediately noticed the problem with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Steinem .
She comes across as self-absorbed and uncharismatic , in other words , nothing like the real Ms. Steinem .
Letty Cottin Pogrebin , like Ms. Steinem a founding editor of Ms. magazine , also took issue with her friend ’ s depiction .
In a column in Moment magazine , she writes that the “ nasal-voiced , lock-jawed version of Gloria ” barely resembles the woman she ’ s known five decades .
More important , she adds , “ it galls me when ‘ Mrs .
America ’ keeps underscoring @ @ @ @ @ @ @ grappling with the complexity of our challenges.
” The series turns it all into a catfight , she laments .
The late Mrs. Schlafly ’ s family and allies have their own critiques .
Anne Schlafly Cori , chair of her mother ’ s Eagle Forum , told Vanity Fair that while the hair , makeup , and clothing seemed accurate , she found Ms. Blanchett made her mother appear “ cold , cruel , and calculating.
” “ Phyllis Schlafly was warm and gracious and her beliefs were sincere , ” Ms. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Christian conservative leader who knew Mrs. Schlafly for 25 years , tells the Monitor that the series missed “ how incredibly tough she was.
” “ She was very , very wily , one of the smartest and toughest customers I ’ ve ever met , ” Mr. Reed says .
“ Tougher than just about any man I ’ ve ever met.
” I pushed back .
Mrs. Schlafly came across as plenty tough , I said .
After all , she defeated the ERA .
For me , it was also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friedan , who lived in Washington in her later years .
I once gave her a ride to her apartment , and remember her as elderly but still feisty .
But most of all , I ’ m heartened that my daughter watched the series , and got a glimpse into the social conflicts of the 1970s .
Now I ’ ll make sure she reads up on how it all really went down .
Let us know what you ’ re thinking at csmpolitics @ csmonitor.com .

I’m glad my 20-something daughter recommended the Hulu mini-series “Mrs. America,” a dramatic retelling of the 1970s battle to pass the Equal Rights Amendment. It pits Phyllis Schlafly, the conservative activist from Alton, Ill., against the leaders of second-wave feminism, such as Gloria Steinem and Betty Friedan.
With Cate Blanchett as Mrs. Schlafly – and she was always “Mrs.” – and Rose Byrne as Ms. Steinem, what’s not to love? Plenty, it turns out. I immediately noticed the problem with Ms. Byrne’s portrayal of Ms. Steinem. She comes across as self-absorbed and uncharismatic, in other words, nothing like the real Ms. Steinem.
Letty Cottin Pogrebin, like Ms. Steinem a founding editor of Ms. magazine, also took issue with her friend’s depiction. In a column in Moment magazine, she writes that the “nasal-voiced, lock-jawed version of Gloria” barely resembles the woman she’s known five decades. More important, she adds, “it galls me when ‘Mrs. America’ keeps underscoring the friction among feminists, rather than grappling with the complexity of our challenges.” The series turns it all into a catfight, she laments.
The late Mrs. Schlafly’s family and allies have their own critiques. Anne Schlafly Cori, chair of her mother’s Eagle Forum, told Vanity Fair that while the hair, makeup, and clothing seemed accurate, she found Ms. Blanchett made her mother appear “cold, cruel, and calculating.”
“Phyllis Schlafly was warm and gracious and her beliefs were sincere,” Ms. Cori says.
Ralph Reed, a Christian conservative leader who knew Mrs. Schlafly for 25 years, tells the Monitor that the series missed “how incredibly tough she was.”
“She was very, very wily, one of the smartest and toughest customers I’ve ever met,” Mr. Reed says. “Tougher than just about any man I’ve ever met.”
I pushed back. Mrs. Schlafly came across as plenty tough, I said. After all, she defeated the ERA.
For me, it was also fun to see Tracey Ullman portray Ms. Friedan, who lived in Washington in her later years. I once gave her a ride to her apartment, and remember her as elderly but still feisty.
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empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
But most of all, I’m heartened that my daughter watched the series, and got a glimpse into the social conflicts of the 1970s. Now I’ll make sure she reads up on how it all really went down.
Let us know what you’re thinking at csmpolitics@csmonitor.com.


csmonitor--2020-07-01--'Come with dollars:' Lebanon PM asks its expats to visit home

With Beirut 's airport partially reopening from a three-month virus shutdown , the government is hoping thousands of Lebanese expatriates will return for the summer – and bring dollars desperately needed to prop up the crashing economy .
But Lebanon 's far-flung diaspora , renowned as entrepreneurs who for years sent their cash home , may no longer be willing to do that .
Many are staying away , appalled at the ruling elite 's handling of Lebanon 's unprecedented economic and financial meltdown and outraged at local banks holding their dollar deposits hostage .
Some have stopped sending money @ @ @ @ @ @ @ families .
Others are considering cutting ties completely with a corrupt country they say has robbed them of a future .
`` If you 're a Lebanese considering visiting this summer , you will think about bringing only what you need to spend while there , not a single penny more , '' said Hasan Fadlallah , who has lived since 1997 in Dubai , where he founded a consultancy agency , Brand Lounge .
`` I doubt anyone is thinking about investing in the economy , especially when you know the recipient @ @ @ @ @ @ @ '' he said .
Once a beacon of free market growth and fine living , Lebanon is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history .
The local currency has lost around 80 % of its value against the dollar on the black market since October and continues to tumble daily .
Banks have clamped down on withdrawals and transfers of U.S. dollars .
Food prices have soared , businesses and households have been thrown into disarray , salaries and savings are fast disappearing , and unemployment has surged .
The crisis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mismanagement .
Public frustration exploded into street protests in October demanding the entire leadership go .
Now , a slide into violence is feared amid mounting poverty and sectarian tensions .
Still , political leaders appear unwilling to act , instead squabbling and trading blame .
Talks with the International Monetary Fund over a bailout have faltered over the inability to implement pledges to combat corruption and instill reforms .
For years , millions of Lebanese abroad helped keep their native land afloat by sending remittances that once amounted to 12.5 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them to come to the rescue again .
Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Tuesday called on them to `` come with dollars . ''
Christian party leader Samir Geagea suggested each expatriate family abroad to `` adopt '' a family in Lebanon for $ 200 a month to stave off hunger .
One lawmaker sparked outrage by saying Lebanon is now `` cheap '' in an attempt to attract expatriates and tourists after the currency collapse .
Visits home are a summer tradition for Lebanon 's expats .
The airport , closed since @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 10 % capacity , welcoming around 2,000 passengers a day .
Nabil Bou Monsef , deputy editor in chief of Lebanon 's An-Nahar newspaper , said he expected very limited numbers of Lebanese to visit , and any dollars they bring will be held onto by relatives like `` gold , '' rather than being injected into the economy .
`` The Lebanese people are being subjected to a systematic and organized theft by the ruling oligarchy and the banks on daily basis , '' he said .
`` No one wants to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lebanon , a country of 5 million , takes massive pride in its emigrant community – including the many successful businessmen and celebrities of Lebanese heritage .
Famous names among them are Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim , Columbian singer Shakira , Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek , Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney , and fashion designers Elie Saab and Reem Accra .
They also include the disgraced former Nissan-Renault boss Carlos Ghosn , who fled Japan to Lebanon last year .
The diaspora is estimated at about three times the population at home .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Australia and Africa to Canada , Latin America , and Europe .
About 400,000 Lebanese work in oil-rich Gulf countries .
Their billions have helped keep the local economy liquid .
The Central Bank has kept the pound stable at 1,507 to the dollar since 1997 , thanks to heavy borrowing at high interest rates .
That encouraged expats to send money home , buy property , and deposit in local banks .
Now the currency has spiraled to around 9,000 to the dollar on the black market .
Capital controls have locked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both rich and poor in anger .
Many in the diaspora have been agonizing on social media how to send money to relatives without going through transfer shops and local banks .
`` I am definitely not handing my hard-earned money to our corrupt government on a silver platter so they can perpetuate their corruption , '' posted Elie Fares , a Lebanese doctor based in Philadelphia .
In a Twitter thread , he lamented how his parents who have invested all their lives in Lebanon are now dependent on their expat son @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with my parents the other day .
My mom has n't seen me in over a year , and all she kept saying is , 'Thank God you left , there is no future here . '
It breaks my heart when their voices break . ''
Many now fear a new wave of emigration by Lebanon 's middle class once the global pandemic subsides and the world 's economy picks up .
TV host Ricardo Karam , who has made a career out of interviewing successful expats , said Lebanon 's talented @ @ @ @ @ @ @ succeeding in their own country .
`` Amid this meltdown ...
I am saddened by the lack of any vision to benefit from this elite , '' he posted .
`` Instead of steering the ship , the rudder has been left to those who will one day enter the dustbin of history . ''
Mr. Fadlallah , the Dubai consultancy CEO , said he is still contemplating whether to make his summer family visit to Lebanon .
He considers himself lucky – he managed to transfer his savings out of Lebanon in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
He says that after what was effectively a Ponzi scheme , it will take years before people regain confidence in Lebanese banks and institutions , if at all .
`` You need faith , credibility , and trust for the country to begin recovering , '' he said .
`` They do not exist . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

With Beirut's airport partially reopening from a three-month virus shutdown, the government is hoping thousands of Lebanese expatriates will return for the summer – and bring dollars desperately needed to prop up the crashing economy.
But Lebanon's far-flung diaspora, renowned as entrepreneurs who for years sent their cash home, may no longer be willing to do that.
Many are staying away, appalled at the ruling elite's handling of Lebanon's unprecedented economic and financial meltdown and outraged at local banks holding their dollar deposits hostage. Some have stopped sending money, except small amounts to sustain their families. Others are considering cutting ties completely with a corrupt country they say has robbed them of a future.
"If you're a Lebanese considering visiting this summer, you will think about bringing only what you need to spend while there, not a single penny more," said Hasan Fadlallah, who has lived since 1997 in Dubai, where he founded a consultancy agency, Brand Lounge.
"I doubt anyone is thinking about investing in the economy, especially when you know the recipient is not worthy of this help," he said.
Once a beacon of free market growth and fine living, Lebanon is suffering the worst economic crisis in its modern history. The local currency has lost around 80% of its value against the dollar on the black market since October and continues to tumble daily. Banks have clamped down on withdrawals and transfers of U.S. dollars. Food prices have soared, businesses and households have been thrown into disarray, salaries and savings are fast disappearing, and unemployment has surged.
The crisis stems from decades of systematic corruption and mismanagement. Public frustration exploded into street protests in October demanding the entire leadership go. Now, a slide into violence is feared amid mounting poverty and sectarian tensions.
Still, political leaders appear unwilling to act, instead squabbling and trading blame. Talks with the International Monetary Fund over a bailout have faltered over the inability to implement pledges to combat corruption and instill reforms.
For years, millions of Lebanese abroad helped keep their native land afloat by sending remittances that once amounted to 12.5% of GDP.
Lebanese politicians are pleading with them to come to the rescue again. Prime Minister Hassan Diab on Tuesday called on them to "come with dollars." Christian party leader Samir Geagea suggested each expatriate family abroad to "adopt" a family in Lebanon for $200 a month to stave off hunger. One lawmaker sparked outrage by saying Lebanon is now "cheap" in an attempt to attract expatriates and tourists after the currency collapse.
Visits home are a summer tradition for Lebanon's expats. The airport, closed since mid-March, starts operating on Monday at 10% capacity, welcoming around 2,000 passengers a day.
Nabil Bou Monsef, deputy editor in chief of Lebanon's An-Nahar newspaper, said he expected very limited numbers of Lebanese to visit, and any dollars they bring will be held onto by relatives like "gold," rather than being injected into the economy.
"The Lebanese people are being subjected to a systematic and organized theft by the ruling oligarchy and the banks on daily basis," he said. "No one wants to contribute to this cycle anymore."
Lebanon, a country of 5 million, takes massive pride in its emigrant community – including the many successful businessmen and celebrities of Lebanese heritage. Famous names among them are Mexican business magnate Carlos Slim, Columbian singer Shakira, Mexican-American actress Salma Hayek, Lebanese-British barrister Amal Clooney, and fashion designers Elie Saab and Reem Accra.
They also include the disgraced former Nissan-Renault boss Carlos Ghosn, who fled Japan to Lebanon last year.
The diaspora is estimated at about three times the population at home. Large communities are found everywhere, from Australia and Africa to Canada, Latin America, and Europe. About 400,000 Lebanese work in oil-rich Gulf countries.
Their billions have helped keep the local economy liquid. The Central Bank has kept the pound stable at 1,507 to the dollar since 1997, thanks to heavy borrowing at high interest rates. That encouraged expats to send money home, buy property, and deposit in local banks.
Now the currency has spiraled to around 9,000 to the dollar on the black market. Capital controls have locked up dollars in bank accounts, uniting both rich and poor in anger.
Many in the diaspora have been agonizing on social media how to send money to relatives without going through transfer shops and local banks.
"I am definitely not handing my hard-earned money to our corrupt government on a silver platter so they can perpetuate their corruption," posted Elie Fares, a Lebanese doctor based in Philadelphia.
In a Twitter thread, he lamented how his parents who have invested all their lives in Lebanon are now dependent on their expat son.
"I was on the phone with my parents the other day. My mom hasn't seen me in over a year, and all she kept saying is, 'Thank God you left, there is no future here.' It breaks my heart when their voices break."
Many now fear a new wave of emigration by Lebanon's middle class once the global pandemic subsides and the world's economy picks up.
TV host Ricardo Karam, who has made a career out of interviewing successful expats, said Lebanon's talented youth and business elite are prevented from succeeding in their own country.
"Amid this meltdown ... I am saddened by the lack of any vision to benefit from this elite," he posted. "Instead of steering the ship, the rudder has been left to those who will one day enter the dustbin of history."
Mr. Fadlallah, the Dubai consultancy CEO, said he is still contemplating whether to make his summer family visit to Lebanon. He considers himself lucky – he managed to transfer his savings out of Lebanon in September, right before the crisis began.
He says that after what was effectively a Ponzi scheme, it will take years before people regain confidence in Lebanese banks and institutions, if at all.
"You need faith, credibility, and trust for the country to begin recovering," he said. "They do not exist."
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-01--No more debate: Americans need to wear masks, says GOP

In Republican circles – with the notable exception of the man who leads the party – the debate about masks is over : It ’ s time to put one on .
As a surge of infections hammers the South and West , GOP officials are pushing back against the notion that masks are about politics , as President Donald Trump suggests , and telling Americans they can help save lives .
Sen. Lamar Alexander , a Tennessee Republican , on Tuesday bluntly called on Mr. Trump to start wearing a mask , at least some of the time , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Unfortunately , this simple , lifesaving practice has become part of a political debate that says : If you ’ re for Trump , you don ’ t wear a mask .
If you ’ re against Trump , you do , ” Mr. Alexander said .
It ’ s a rare break for Republicans from Mr. Trump , who earlier this month told the Wall Street Journal that some people wear masks simply to show that they disapprove of him .
And the Republican nudges for the public – and the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all corners of Mr. Trump ’ s party and even from friendly conservative media .
Both Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in recent days have urged Americans to wear one when they are unable to maintain social distance .
Sen. Mitt Romney , a Utah Republican , told reporters it would be “ very helpful ” for Mr. Trump to encourage mask usage .
“ Put on a mask – it ’ s not complicated , '' Mr. McConnell , R-Ky. , urged Americans during his weekly news @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming tweeted a photo of her father , former Vice President Dick Cheney , wearing a disposable mask and a cowboy hat .
She included the message : “ Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK # realmenwearmasks , ” a hashtag that echoed words spoken earlier by the Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi .
Steve Doocy , co-host of a Trump-friendly morning show , “ Fox & Friends , ” said during an interview with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that he doesn ’ t “ see any downside @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wearing it.
” Mr. McCarthy , R-Calif. , responded that , for the upcoming holiday , “ we could all show our patriotism with a red , white , and blue mask.
” Jacksonville , the Florida city where Mr. Trump is scheduled to accept his renomination as Republicans ' presidential candidate in August , announced a mask requirement for indoor public spaces this week .
The president ’ s eldest son said the new requirements were no big deal .
“ You know , I don ’ t think that it ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or wash your hands and follow basic hygiene protocols , ” Donald Trump Jr. told Fox Business on Tuesday .
Trump aides have defended the president ’ s refusal to wear a mask by noting that he is regularly tested for the coronavirus , as are his aides .
Those outside the administration – including White House visitors and members of the media who are in close proximity to him and Mr. Pence – are also tested .
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany didn ’ t directly address Republican calls for Mr. @ @ @ @ @ @ @ more often , but noted that the president has said in the past he has no problem wearing one when necessary .
But even with safeguards , the virus has found its way into the White House .
A top aide to Mr. Pence , as well as a military valet to Mr. Trump , in May tested positive for the virus .
Still , mask usage remains rare in the West Wing , said Rep. Brad Sherman , a California Democrat who attended an intelligence briefing at the White House on Tuesday @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s staff .
At the briefing , which he said included about eight White House staffers , only national security adviser Robert O ’ Brien wore a mask , Mr. Sherman said .
He added that no one in the secure briefing room was able to maintain 6 feet of social distancing , as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention .
“ I learned something major , and that is the White House is a mask-free zone , ” Mr. Sherman told The Associated Press .
“ The president is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people not wearing masks.
” Polls show how the partisan divide on masks has seeped into public opinion .
The vast majority of Democrats think people in their community should wear a mask when they are near other people in public places at least most of the time , including 63 % who say they should always , according to a Pew Research Center poll published in early June .
Among Republicans , 29 % say masks should be worn always , and 23 % say they should be worn most of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should rarely or never be worn .
Mr. Trump has been caught on camera once wearing a mask .
But Mr. Pence and members of the White House coronavirus task force frequently appear in public wearing masks .
“ If you want the return of college football this year , wear a face covering .
If you want a chance at prom next spring , wear a face covering , ” Surgeon General Jerome Adams urged Americans .
Over the course of the crisis , the government has sent mixed messages on masks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identified on United States soil , top public health officials insisted masks should be reserved for front-line workers .
In early April , the CDC issued a recommendation that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain .
But Mr. Trump immediately undercut the CDC guidance by flatly stating that he wouldn ’ t be following it , suggesting it would be unseemly for the commander in chief to wear one as he meets with heads of states .
Other world leaders , including @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s Emmanuel Macron , have worn masks in public and urged their citizens to do the same when they can ’ t maintain social distance Lawrence Gostin , a public health expert at Georgetown University , says he worries Republican calls for wearing masks “ might be too late.
” “ The public has received such mixed messages from the administration , ” Mr. Gostin said .
“ I fear we may be stuck with coronavirus until it burns through the American population and leaves hundreds of thousands dead.
” This story @ @ @ @ @ @ @ AP writers Jill Colvin , Darlene Superville , and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

In Republican circles – with the notable exception of the man who leads the party – the debate about masks is over: It’s time to put one on.
As a surge of infections hammers the South and West, GOP officials are pushing back against the notion that masks are about politics, as President Donald Trump suggests, and telling Americans they can help save lives.
Sen. Lamar Alexander, a Tennessee Republican, on Tuesday bluntly called on Mr. Trump to start wearing a mask, at least some of the time, to set a good example.
"Unfortunately, this simple, lifesaving practice has become part of a political debate that says: If you’re for Trump, you don’t wear a mask. If you’re against Trump, you do,” Mr. Alexander said.
It’s a rare break for Republicans from Mr. Trump, who earlier this month told the Wall Street Journal that some people wear masks simply to show that they disapprove of him. And the Republican nudges for the public – and the president – to embrace mask-wearing are coming from all corners of Mr. Trump’s party and even from friendly conservative media.
Both Vice President Mike Pence and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in recent days have urged Americans to wear one when they are unable to maintain social distance. Sen. Mitt Romney, a Utah Republican, told reporters it would be “very helpful” for Mr. Trump to encourage mask usage.
“Put on a mask – it’s not complicated," Mr. McConnell, R-Ky., urged Americans during his weekly news conference Tuesday.
Last week, Republican Rep. Liz Cheney of Wyoming tweeted a photo of her father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, wearing a disposable mask and a cowboy hat. She included the message: “Dick Cheney says WEAR A MASK #realmenwearmasks,” a hashtag that echoed words spoken earlier by the Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Steve Doocy, co-host of a Trump-friendly morning show, “Fox & Friends,” said during an interview with House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy that he doesn’t “see any downside in the president being seen more often wearing it.”
Mr. McCarthy, R-Calif., responded that, for the upcoming holiday, “we could all show our patriotism with a red, white, and blue mask.”
Jacksonville, the Florida city where Mr. Trump is scheduled to accept his renomination as Republicans' presidential candidate in August, announced a mask requirement for indoor public spaces this week. The president’s eldest son said the new requirements were no big deal.
“You know, I don’t think that it’s too complicated to wear a mask or wash your hands and follow basic hygiene protocols,” Donald Trump Jr. told Fox Business on Tuesday.
Trump aides have defended the president’s refusal to wear a mask by noting that he is regularly tested for the coronavirus, as are his aides. Those outside the administration – including White House visitors and members of the media who are in close proximity to him and Mr. Pence – are also tested.
White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany didn’t directly address Republican calls for Mr. Trump to wear a mask in public more often, but noted that the president has said in the past he has no problem wearing one when necessary.
But even with safeguards, the virus has found its way into the White House. A top aide to Mr. Pence, as well as a military valet to Mr. Trump, in May tested positive for the virus.
Still, mask usage remains rare in the West Wing, said Rep. Brad Sherman, a California Democrat who attended an intelligence briefing at the White House on Tuesday with senior members of the president’s staff.
At the briefing, which he said included about eight White House staffers, only national security adviser Robert O’Brien wore a mask, Mr. Sherman said. He added that no one in the secure briefing room was able to maintain 6 feet of social distancing, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“I learned something major, and that is the White House is a mask-free zone,” Mr. Sherman told The Associated Press. “The president is consistent. He’s fine with people not wearing masks.”
Polls show how the partisan divide on masks has seeped into public opinion.
The vast majority of Democrats think people in their community should wear a mask when they are near other people in public places at least most of the time, including 63% who say they should always, according to a Pew Research Center poll published in early June. Among Republicans, 29% say masks should be worn always, and 23% say they should be worn most of the time. Another 23% say masks should rarely or never be worn.
Mr. Trump has been caught on camera once wearing a mask. But Mr. Pence and members of the White House coronavirus task force frequently appear in public wearing masks.
“If you want the return of college football this year, wear a face covering. If you want a chance at prom next spring, wear a face covering,” Surgeon General Jerome Adams urged Americans.
Over the course of the crisis, the government has sent mixed messages on masks. As the first COVID-19 cases were identified on United States soil, top public health officials insisted masks should be reserved for front-line workers.
In early April, the CDC issued a recommendation that people wear cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures were difficult to maintain.
But Mr. Trump immediately undercut the CDC guidance by flatly stating that he wouldn’t be following it, suggesting it would be unseemly for the commander in chief to wear one as he meets with heads of states.
Other world leaders, including Canada’s Justin Trudeau and France’s Emmanuel Macron, have worn masks in public and urged their citizens to do the same when they can’t maintain social distance
Lawrence Gostin, a public health expert at Georgetown University, says he worries Republican calls for wearing masks “might be too late.”
“The public has received such mixed messages from the administration,” Mr. Gostin said. “I fear we may be stuck with coronavirus until it burns through the American population and leaves hundreds of thousands dead.”
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writers Jill Colvin, Darlene Superville, and Hannah Fingerhut contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-01--McGrath won the Kentucky primary. Next, she'll face McConnell.

Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath overcame a bumpier-than-expected Kentucky primary to win the Democratic United States Senate nomination Tuesday , fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising , big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell .
Voting ended June 23 , but it took a week until McGrath could be declared the winner due to the race 's tight margins and a deluge of mail-in ballots .
The outcome seemed a certainty early in the campaign but became tenuous as Mr. Booker 's profile surged as the Black state lawmaker highlighted protests against the deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
It was a narrow victory for Ms. McGrath .
She outlasted Mr. Booker by 15,149 votes out of more than 544,000 votes cast .
Several other candidates attracted tens of thousands of votes .
Mr. McConnell , a key ally to President Donald Trump , already breezed to victory in the GOP primary in his bid for a seventh term .
Kentucky switched to widespread absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic , and election officials needed days to count ballots .
In Lexington , the state 's second-largest city , about 6,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ranging from unsigned envelopes to detached security flaps , said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins .
Since last summer , Mr. McConnell and Ms. McGrath had looked past their respective primaries to skirmish with each other .
Those attacks will now intensify heading into the fall campaign .
Declaring victory , Ms. McGrath reached out to Mr. Booker 's supporters to try to unite the party for the challenge ahead against Mr. McConnell , who has dominated Kentucky 's political landscape for decades .
`` There is far too much at stake , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
`` The differences that separate Democrats are nothing compared to the chasm that exists between us and the politics and actions of Mitch McConnell .
He 's destroyed our institutions for far too long . ''
Mr. McConnell 's campaign said Ms. McGrath 's narrow victory showed her candidacy is damaged heading into the general election .
Mr. McConnell campaign spokeswoman Kate Cooksey portrayed Ms. McGrath as a `` tool '' for the national Democratic establishment and said the challenger was out of step with Kentucky with her support for abortion rights @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Booker conceded later in the day and called on Democrats to dedicate themselves `` to the work of beating Mitch , so ... we can get him out of the way . ''
But his statement mentioned Ms. McGrath only briefly , focusing instead on his campaign for economic and racial justice .
`` We 've proven Kentuckians are hungry for a new kind of leadership , one that puts working people and their struggles before corporate special interests and the corrupt politicians who serve them , '' he said .
`` @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to pretend to be a Republican to run as a Democrat in Kentucky , and that people want big , bold solutions to the enormous crises our state is facing . ''
Ms. McGrath has raised prodigious amounts of campaign cash , capitalizing on the disdain national Democrats have for Mr. McConnell .
It places her in a position to go toe-to-toe with the always-well-funded Mr. McConnell .
Despite her advantages , Ms. McGrath sweated out her victory against the hard-charging Mr. Booker .
Mr. Booker 's long-shot bid surged amid the national @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He joined demonstrations in his hometown of Louisville to demand justice for Breonna Taylor , who was fatally shot by Louisville police in her own home .
Mr. Booker gained the backing of leading national progressives as he supported a universal basic income and Medicare for All — ideas that Ms. McGrath resisted .
Ms. McGrath charted a more moderate course inside Democratic politics .
She supports adding a public health insurance option as part of the Obama-era Affordable Care Act and supports expanded access to Medicare for people 55 and older .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ partisan , Washington insider who exemplifies what 's wrong with national politics .
She accuses Mr. McConnell of undermining labor unions , awarding tax cuts for the wealthy , and cozying up to pharmaceutical companies while people struggle to afford prescription drugs .
Mr. McConnell accuses her of being too liberal for Kentucky on issues ranging from abortion to border security .
He promotes his work with Mr. Trump – who remains popular in Kentucky – to appoint conservatives to fill federal court seats .
Mr. McConnell also plays up his Senate leadership @ @ @ @ @ @ @ money back to the Bluegrass State .
Mr. Trump could turn into a focal point in the Senate race .
Mr. McConnell led the effort to defend the president after House Democrats impeached him .
Ms. McGrath has said she would have voted to convict Mr. Trump on both impeachment counts .
She accused of the GOP-led Senate of lacking `` the guts '' to put a check on `` out-of-control presidential power . ''
This story was reported by The Associated Press .
AP writer Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Former Marine pilot Amy McGrath overcame a bumpier-than-expected Kentucky primary to win the Democratic United States Senate nomination Tuesday, fending off progressive Charles Booker to set up a bruising, big-spending showdown with Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.
Voting ended June 23, but it took a week until McGrath could be declared the winner due to the race's tight margins and a deluge of mail-in ballots. The outcome seemed a certainty early in the campaign but became tenuous as Mr. Booker's profile surged as the Black state lawmaker highlighted protests against the deaths of African Americans in encounters with police.
It was a narrow victory for Ms. McGrath. She outlasted Mr. Booker by 15,149 votes out of more than 544,000 votes cast. Several other candidates attracted tens of thousands of votes. Mr. McConnell, a key ally to President Donald Trump, already breezed to victory in the GOP primary in his bid for a seventh term.
Kentucky switched to widespread absentee voting amid the coronavirus pandemic, and election officials needed days to count ballots. In Lexington, the state's second-largest city, about 6,000 absentee ballots were thrown out on technicalities ranging from unsigned envelopes to detached security flaps, said Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins.
Since last summer, Mr. McConnell and Ms. McGrath had looked past their respective primaries to skirmish with each other. Those attacks will now intensify heading into the fall campaign.
Declaring victory, Ms. McGrath reached out to Mr. Booker's supporters to try to unite the party for the challenge ahead against Mr. McConnell, who has dominated Kentucky's political landscape for decades.
"There is far too much at stake," Ms. McGrath said in a statement. "The differences that separate Democrats are nothing compared to the chasm that exists between us and the politics and actions of Mitch McConnell. He's destroyed our institutions for far too long."
Mr. McConnell's campaign said Ms. McGrath's narrow victory showed her candidacy is damaged heading into the general election.
Mr. McConnell campaign spokeswoman Kate Cooksey portrayed Ms. McGrath as a "tool" for the national Democratic establishment and said the challenger was out of step with Kentucky with her support for abortion rights and "government-run health care."
Mr. Booker conceded later in the day and called on Democrats to dedicate themselves "to the work of beating Mitch, so ... we can get him out of the way." But his statement mentioned Ms. McGrath only briefly, focusing instead on his campaign for economic and racial justice.
"We've proven Kentuckians are hungry for a new kind of leadership, one that puts working people and their struggles before corporate special interests and the corrupt politicians who serve them," he said. "We've proven you don't have to pretend to be a Republican to run as a Democrat in Kentucky, and that people want big, bold solutions to the enormous crises our state is facing."
Ms. McGrath has raised prodigious amounts of campaign cash, capitalizing on the disdain national Democrats have for Mr. McConnell. It places her in a position to go toe-to-toe with the always-well-funded Mr. McConnell.
Despite her advantages, Ms. McGrath sweated out her victory against the hard-charging Mr. Booker.
Mr. Booker's long-shot bid surged amid the national eruption of protests against police brutality. He joined demonstrations in his hometown of Louisville to demand justice for Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by Louisville police in her own home. Mr. Booker gained the backing of leading national progressives as he supported a universal basic income and Medicare for All — ideas that Ms. McGrath resisted.
Ms. McGrath charted a more moderate course inside Democratic politics. She supports adding a public health insurance option as part of the Obama-era Affordable Care Act and supports expanded access to Medicare for people 55 and older.
She portrays Mr. McConnell as an overly partisan, Washington insider who exemplifies what's wrong with national politics. She accuses Mr. McConnell of undermining labor unions, awarding tax cuts for the wealthy, and cozying up to pharmaceutical companies while people struggle to afford prescription drugs.
Mr. McConnell accuses her of being too liberal for Kentucky on issues ranging from abortion to border security. He promotes his work with Mr. Trump – who remains popular in Kentucky – to appoint conservatives to fill federal court seats. Mr. McConnell also plays up his Senate leadership role and his ability to steer federal money back to the Bluegrass State.
Mr. Trump could turn into a focal point in the Senate race.
Mr. McConnell led the effort to defend the president after House Democrats impeached him. Ms. McGrath has said she would have voted to convict Mr. Trump on both impeachment counts. She accused of the GOP-led Senate of lacking "the guts" to put a check on "out-of-control presidential power."
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This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP writer Piper Hudspeth Blackburn contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.


csmonitor--2020-07-01--In Hong Kong, arrests begin a day after passing new security law

Hong Kong police made their first arrests Wednesday under a new national security law imposed a day earlier by China 's central government , as thousands of people defied tear gas and pepper pellets to protest against it .
Police said nine people were arrested under the law , including a man with a Hong Kong independence flag and a woman holding a sign displaying the British flag and calling for Hong Kong 's independence .
Others were detained for possessing items advocating independence .
Further details were not immediately available .
Hong Kong police said on Facebook that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ charges , including unlawful assembly , possession of weapons , and violating the national security law .
The arrests come as thousands took to the streets Wednesday on the 23rd anniversary of Britain 's handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997 .
For the first time , police banned this year 's annual march .
Protesters shouted slogans , lambasted police , and held up signs condemning the Chinese government and the new security law .
The new security law deepened concerns in Hong Kong and abroad about the semi-autonomous territory 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China following anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year , makes secessionist , subversive , or terrorist activities illegal , as well as foreign intervention in the city 's internal affairs .
Any person taking part in secessionist activities , such as shouting slogans or holding up banners and flags calling for the city ’ s independence , is violating the law regardless of whether violence is used .
The most serious offenders , such as those deemed to be masterminds behind the crimes , could receive a maximum punishment of life imprisonment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of up to three years , short-term detention , or restriction .
Hong Kong ’ s leader strongly endorsed the new law in a speech marking Wednesday 's 23rd anniversary of the handover of the territory – officially called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – from British colonial rule .
“ The enactment of the national law is regarded as the most significant development in the relationship between the central authorities and the HKSAR since Hong Kong ’ s return to the motherland , ” chief executive Carrie Lam said in a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the playing of China ’ s national anthem .
“ It is also an essential and timely decision for restoring stability in Hong Kong , ” she said .
A pro-democracy political party , The League of Social Democrats , organized a protest march during the flag-raising ceremony .
About a dozen participants chanted slogans echoing demands from protesters last year for political reform and an investigation into accusations of police abuse .
The law ’ s passage Tuesday further blurs the distinction between the legal systems of Hong Kong , which maintained @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handover , and the mainland ’ s authoritarian Communist Party system .
Critics say the law effectively ends the “ one country , two systems ” framework under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy .
The law directly targets some of the actions of anti-government protesters last year , which included attacks on government offices and police stations , damage to subway stations , and the shutdown of the city ’ s international airport .
Acts of vandalism against government facilities or public transit can be prosecuted as subversion @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in activities deemed secessionist would also be in violation of the law .
Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said in a news conference that the security legislation does not follow the rule of law and is a dire warning to the free press .
“ This would tell you that they want not just to get us , but to intimidate us into inaction , into a catatonic state , ” Ms. Mo said .
Hong Kong 's police force said they would consider as illegal any flag or banner raised by protesters deemed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ China or express support for independence for Tibet , Xinjiang , or the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan that China claims as its own .
Police will use a new purple flag to warn protesters if they display banners or shout slogans that may constitute a crime under the law .
Concerns have also been raised over the fate of key opposition figures , some of whom have already been charged for taking part in protests , as well as the disqualification of candidates for Legislative Council elections scheduled for September .
In @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Cabinet ’ s Hong Kong affairs office , Zhang Xiaoming , said Hong Kong people are allowed to criticize the ruling Communist Party but can not turn those complaints “ into actions.
” “ What happened recently in Hong Kong has shown a deviation from the right track of the ‘ one country , two systems ’ [ framework ] , ” Mr. Zhang told reporters Wednesday .
“ To some extent , we made this law in order to correct the deviation ... to pull it closer to ‘ one-country.
’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outlets , websites , and others will be monitored and their national security awareness will be raised , according to the law , while the central government will have authority over the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations and media outlets in Hong Kong .
The law says central government bodies in Hong Kong will take over in “ complicated cases ” and when there is a serious threat to national security .
Local authorities are barred from interfering with central government bodies operating in Hong Kong while they are carrying out their duties @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong ’ s local constitution , but an earlier attempt to pass it in the city ’ s legislative body in 2003 was shelved because of massive public opposition .
Beijing finally decided to circumvent the Hong Kong legislature and have the law passed Tuesday by the Standing Committee of the National People ’ s Congress , China ’ s rubber-stamp parliament .
President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order putting the law into effect , and it has been added to the Basic Law , Hong Kong ’ s constitution .
The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kong ’ s legislature in early June approved a contentious bill making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem .
Britain ’ s foreign secretary told reporters on Wednesday that the security legislation “ is a clear and serious violation ” of the Sino-British Joint Declaration , the agreement that paved the way for the former British colony ’ s handover to Chinese rule .
Dominic Raab said officials have carefully assessed the law and he plans to set out details of what action the U.K. will take along with its international @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced that residency rights for up to 3 million Hong Kongers eligible for British National Overseas passports will be extended to five years from the current six-month limit .
After five years , they could apply for settled status and then apply for citizenship 12 months after that .
The United States is moving to end special trade terms given to the territory .
The Trump administration has also said it will bar defense exports to Hong Kong and will soon require licenses for the sale of items that have both civilian and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also moved to impose sanctions on people deemed connected to political repression in Hong Kong , including police officials .
China has said it will impose visa restrictions on Americans it sees as interfering over Hong Kong .
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced the threat of a visa ban as a sign of “ how Beijing refuses to take responsibility for its own choices '' and said the law 's adoption “ destroys the territory ’ s autonomy and one of China ’ s greatest achievements . ''
Beijing ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people ’ s aspirations have led it to eviscerate the very foundation of the territory ’ s success , '' Mr. Pompeo said in a statement .
Taiwan on Wednesday opened an office to facilitate migration from Hong Kong .
The establishment of the office is “ not only a statement on Taiwan ’ s support to Hong Kong ’ s democracy and freedom , but also highlights our determination to care for Hong Kong people , ” said Taiwan ’ s Mainland Affairs Council minister Chen Ming-tong at a ribbon-cutting ceremony .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Press .
AP video journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei and producer Wayne Zhang in Beijing contributed to this report .
Editor ’ s note : As a public service , the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage .
It ’ s free .

Hong Kong police made their first arrests Wednesday under a new national security law imposed a day earlier by China's central government, as thousands of people defied tear gas and pepper pellets to protest against it.
Police said nine people were arrested under the law, including a man with a Hong Kong independence flag and a woman holding a sign displaying the British flag and calling for Hong Kong's independence. Others were detained for possessing items advocating independence. Further details were not immediately available.
Hong Kong police said on Facebook that they arrested more than 300 people on various charges, including unlawful assembly, possession of weapons, and violating the national security law.
The arrests come as thousands took to the streets Wednesday on the 23rd anniversary of Britain's handover of Hong Kong to China in 1997. For the first time, police banned this year's annual march. Protesters shouted slogans, lambasted police, and held up signs condemning the Chinese government and the new security law.
The new security law deepened concerns in Hong Kong and abroad about the semi-autonomous territory's future.
The law, imposed by China following anti-government protests in Hong Kong last year, makes secessionist, subversive, or terrorist activities illegal, as well as foreign intervention in the city's internal affairs. Any person taking part in secessionist activities, such as shouting slogans or holding up banners and flags calling for the city’s independence, is violating the law regardless of whether violence is used.
The most serious offenders, such as those deemed to be masterminds behind the crimes, could receive a maximum punishment of life imprisonment. Lesser offenders could receive jail terms of up to three years, short-term detention, or restriction.
Hong Kong’s leader strongly endorsed the new law in a speech marking Wednesday's 23rd anniversary of the handover of the territory – officially called the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region – from British colonial rule.
“The enactment of the national law is regarded as the most significant development in the relationship between the central authorities and the HKSAR since Hong Kong’s return to the motherland,” chief executive Carrie Lam said in a speech, following a flag-raising ceremony and the playing of China’s national anthem.
“It is also an essential and timely decision for restoring stability in Hong Kong,” she said.
A pro-democracy political party, The League of Social Democrats, organized a protest march during the flag-raising ceremony. About a dozen participants chanted slogans echoing demands from protesters last year for political reform and an investigation into accusations of police abuse.
The law’s passage Tuesday further blurs the distinction between the legal systems of Hong Kong, which maintained aspects of British law after the 1997 handover, and the mainland’s authoritarian Communist Party system. Critics say the law effectively ends the “one country, two systems” framework under which Hong Kong was promised a high degree of autonomy.
The law directly targets some of the actions of anti-government protesters last year, which included attacks on government offices and police stations, damage to subway stations, and the shutdown of the city’s international airport. Acts of vandalism against government facilities or public transit can be prosecuted as subversion or terrorism, while anyone taking part in activities deemed secessionist would also be in violation of the law.
Pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo said in a news conference that the security legislation does not follow the rule of law and is a dire warning to the free press.
“This would tell you that they want not just to get us, but to intimidate us into inaction, into a catatonic state,” Ms. Mo said.
Hong Kong's police force said they would consider as illegal any flag or banner raised by protesters deemed to promote Hong Kong's separation from China or express support for independence for Tibet, Xinjiang, or the self-governing island democracy of Taiwan that China claims as its own.
Police will use a new purple flag to warn protesters if they display banners or shout slogans that may constitute a crime under the law.
Concerns have also been raised over the fate of key opposition figures, some of whom have already been charged for taking part in protests, as well as the disqualification of candidates for Legislative Council elections scheduled for September.
In Beijing, the executive deputy director of the Cabinet’s Hong Kong affairs office, Zhang Xiaoming, said Hong Kong people are allowed to criticize the ruling Communist Party but cannot turn those complaints “into actions.”
“What happened recently in Hong Kong has shown a deviation from the right track of the ‘one country, two systems’ [framework],” Mr. Zhang told reporters Wednesday.
“To some extent, we made this law in order to correct the deviation ... to pull it closer to ‘one-country.’”
Schools, social groups, media outlets, websites, and others will be monitored and their national security awareness will be raised, according to the law, while the central government will have authority over the activities of foreign non-governmental organizations and media outlets in Hong Kong.
The law says central government bodies in Hong Kong will take over in “complicated cases” and when there is a serious threat to national security. Local authorities are barred from interfering with central government bodies operating in Hong Kong while they are carrying out their duties.
Security legislation was mandated under Hong Kong’s local constitution, but an earlier attempt to pass it in the city’s legislative body in 2003 was shelved because of massive public opposition. Beijing finally decided to circumvent the Hong Kong legislature and have the law passed Tuesday by the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, China’s rubber-stamp parliament.
President Xi Jinping signed a presidential order putting the law into effect, and it has been added to the Basic Law, Hong Kong’s constitution.
The law’s passage comes after Hong Kong’s legislature in early June approved a contentious bill making it illegal to insult the Chinese national anthem.
Britain’s foreign secretary told reporters on Wednesday that the security legislation “is a clear and serious violation” of the Sino-British Joint Declaration, the agreement that paved the way for the former British colony’s handover to Chinese rule.
Dominic Raab said officials have carefully assessed the law and he plans to set out details of what action the U.K. will take along with its international partners in response.
Mr. Raab also announced that residency rights for up to 3 million Hong Kongers eligible for British National Overseas passports will be extended to five years from the current six-month limit. After five years, they could apply for settled status and then apply for citizenship 12 months after that.
The United States is moving to end special trade terms given to the territory. The Trump administration has also said it will bar defense exports to Hong Kong and will soon require licenses for the sale of items that have both civilian and military uses.
The U.S. Congress has also moved to impose sanctions on people deemed connected to political repression in Hong Kong, including police officials.
China has said it will impose visa restrictions on Americans it sees as interfering over Hong Kong.
U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo denounced the threat of a visa ban as a sign of “how Beijing refuses to take responsibility for its own choices" and said the law's adoption “destroys the territory’s autonomy and one of China’s greatest achievements."
Beijing’s “paranoia and fear of its own people’s aspirations have led it to eviscerate the very foundation of the territory’s success," Mr. Pompeo said in a statement.
Taiwan on Wednesday opened an office to facilitate migration from Hong Kong.
The establishment of the office is “not only a statement on Taiwan’s support to Hong Kong’s democracy and freedom, but also highlights our determination to care for Hong Kong people,” said Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council minister Chen Ming-tong at a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Get stories that
empower and uplift daily. By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy Already a subscriber? Log in to hide ads.
This story was reported by The Associated Press. AP video journalist Johnson Lai in Taipei and producer Wayne Zhang in Beijing contributed to this report.
Editor’s note: As a public service, the Monitor has removed the paywall for all our coronavirus coverage. It’s free.