Footage shows the chaotic scenes in Hong Kong yesterday (July 1) after the controversial National Security Law was passed, eroding the freedoms given to the country by Britain.<br /><br />Police and protesters were locked in a violent clash in Causeway Bay resulting in mass arrests. At least 370 people were arrested including a 15-year-old girl, while seven officers were injured, according to the police force.<br /><br />Riot police used pepper sprays and water cannons to disperse the crowd. They were also later seen firing tear gas and rubber bullets. <br /><br />The controversial law sparked fears that it would be a threat to freedom's bestowed on Hong Kong by Britain's Queen Victoria, who liberated the country from mainland China. Boris Johnson responded by offering refuge to three Hong Kong residents.<br /><br />China's authoritarian legislation criminalizes secession, subversion, terrorism, and collusion with foreign powers. People could face a life sentence if convicted of such crimes.<br /><br />Hong Kong's Chief Executive Carrie Lam said the law is crucial to ending violence that has unfolded in recent months.<br /><br />She said: "The national security law is the most important development in securing ties between China and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region since the handover."
