Shawdesh desk:

People in Hong Kong could face life in jail for breaking a controversial and sweeping new security law imposed by China.

The legislation came into force on Tuesday but the full text was only revealed hours afterwards.

It was brought in by Beijing following increasing unrest and a widening pro-democracy movement, BBC reported.

Critics say the new law effectively curtails protest and undermines Hong Kong’s freedoms.

The territory was handed back to China from British control in 1997, but under a unique agreement supposed to protect certain freedoms that people in mainland China do not enjoy – including freedom of speech.

Hong Kong’s leader, Carrie Lam, defended the law, saying it filled a “gaping hole” in national security.