The Hong Kong government announced Wednesday that it concluded the four-week public consultation period for a new local security law under Article 23 of the Basic Law, which is Hong Kong’s mini-constitution. Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee previously stated on January 30 that the proposed legislation aims to safeguard national security while respecting human rights in accordance with the Basic Law and international covenants. Article 23 of the Basic Law mandates Hong Kong to enact its own national security legislation to prohibit crimes such as treason, secession and subversion against China’s Central People’s Government. It is distinct from the…