Hong Kong Passes Surveillance Bill

HONG KONG – Hong Kong’s legislature on Sunday passed new laws regulating phone tapping and other surveillance measures, a move critics fear will curtail civil liberties in the former British colony now ruled by China.

The surveillance bill passed 32-0 early Sunday morning after a marathon debate that began Wednesday.

Hong Kong’s pro-democracy camp staged a walkout after a sunset provision requiring the government to revisit the new measures later was defeated, government-owned radio RTHK reported.

The opposition holds 25 seats in the 60-member legislature. The bill has been largely expected to pass with backing from pro-government lawmakers who control the body.