180 protesters arrested on first day of Hong Kong’s new security laws

Police say arrests were for offences including some under national security laws

Hong Kong police have arrested more than 180 protesters on the first day of life under the controversial national security laws imposed by Beijing, as China confirmed that some suspects could be extradited to the mainland under the new rules.

The city’s police force said the arrests were for offences including some under the new laws. On the 23rd anniversary of the handover from Britain to China, crowds defied a ban on protests and gathered on the streets of the busy shopping district Causeway Bay, where there were large numbers of riot police.

Related: Hong Kong activists shut down protest groups after China passes security law

Those who hold banners, chant slogans or engage in other activities that attempt to split the country or subvert state power may face detention or prosecution under the #NationalSecurityLaw: #HK police pic.twitter.com/niQ9SAn2D2

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