Hong Kong s jokes lose their punchline under national security law
The city s comedy circuit is anxious that unprecedented censorship is on the way
19 December 2020 • 2:48pm
Members of Hong Kong-based comedy group People s Liberation Improv (L-R) Ian Hughes, Chris Coleman, Zak Knudsen (front), Pete Grella, Kay Ross and Christopher Carmon Jr.
Credit: South China Morning Post
In Hong Kong, even comedy is no longer a laughing matter.
After Beijing imposed a draconian national security law in June to quell months of anti-government protests, the city’s comedians have been left questioning if their jokes will land them in jail.
The sweeping law, which can punish vaguely defined national security crimes, including secession, subversion, and colluding with foreign forces, with long sentences or up to life in prison, has unleashed an unprecedented wave of self-censorship in the stand-up scene, admit performers.