The controversial law went into effect at 11:00 p.m. that night, when it was gazetted by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government, marking the first time the people of Hong Kong saw the text. The NSL was promulgated against the background of widespread condemnation from the international community and fears among the Hong Kong people that it would violate the “one country, two systems” principle, the “high degree of autonomy” enshrined in Hong Kong’s constitution, the Basic Law, and, perhaps most importantly, the fundamental rights and freedoms for Hong Kong’s people that China is obligated to protect under international law and treaties, and the rule of law in Hong Kong.