Pro-Beijing lawmakers fast-tracked the legislation, with tough punishment for acts considered "external interference," insurrection and other offenses.

Hong Kong accuses them of violating China's national security law, and is offering a bounty for their capture. The eight, including activist Nathan Law, are wanted for "collusion with foreign forces."

Demands for expanded democracy in the semi-autonomous territory inspired protest movements that were largely ignored by Beijing and crushed by security forces.

Apple Daily was closed, universities were muzzled and prominent activists were either jailed or exiled. The national security law has surely made an impact in Hong Kong in its first year in force.

Britain had offered Hong Kong holders of overseas citizenship a path to residency and citizenship in the U.K. China rejects the move as an infringement on its sovereignty.

The media tycoon was arrested nearly three weeks ago for allegedly violating the terms of his office lease. He was subsequently charged under China's new Hong Kong national security law.

Educators, journalists, political figures and ordinary citizens have been intimidated and even arrested as China moves to stifle protest and civil society with its new law.

Jimmy Lai, a Hong Kong media tycoon known as a fervent supporter of democracy and human rights, is the most prominent figure arrested thus far under China's new national security law.

Hong Kong leader Carrie Lam says she is postponing legislative elections slated for Sept. 6 due to a resurgence in COVID-19 cases. Critics say it will further erode the Chinese territory's autonomy.