HONG KONG, (Reuters) – Hong Kong’s largest independent trade union was disbanded Sunday. This further raised concerns about the potential for civil society groups to take over as a result of the national security law. The broad powers that it grants the police and its ability to suppress dissent within the financial center are also cited.

Established in 1990 by the Hong Kong Confederation of Trade Unions, which has 145,000 members, it was disbanded. This is due to increased control of the authorities over the unions and groups in the business center.

    While anti-government protests in 2019 generated a new wave of labour activism in Hong Kong and triggered a 35% jump in registered trade unions, groups have been scrambling to disband since Beijing imposed the security law last year.

    Fears of falling foul of the law and facing terms of up to life in jail have seen at least 29 trade unions disband since the start of this year, according to a tally by Reuters.

Leo Tang (HKCTU vice-president) stated that HKCTU members received threats to personal safety. He did not elaborate.

Carrie Lam, a Hong Kong leader has debunked the notion that the government is cracking down on civil society. Authorities claim all law enforcement actions are based on evidence. They have nothing to do the political views of the arrested.