As the 5th anniversary of the Hong Kong National Security Law approaches on June 30, a special exhibition has opened at the National Security Education Exhibition Gallery in the Hong Kong Museum of History.

The display includes a newly added "Time Tunnel" at the entrance, projecting footage of major social movements, including the 2014 Occupy Central protests, the 2016 Mong Kok unrest, and the 2019 anti-extradition bill protests, accompanied by the words "Not Forgotten, Not Over."

The exhibition hall also features a cinema screening a documentary titled The Truth, which explores the origins and developments of the 2019 protests, along with analyses from domestic and international scholars.

"No real freedom without national security," says justice chief

Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok, speaking at the special exhibition's opening ceremony, emphasized "three must-nots" and "one must": citizens must not forget history, must not ignore reality, and must not remain passive.

He stressed that the 2019 protests severely threatened national security, disrupting the city's once-stable social order.

Lam warned that without national security, the rights Hong Kongers cherish—such as freedom, personal safety, and property—would be at risk. He urged the public to remember the painful lessons of the past and ensure such turmoil never repeats.

Security chief warns of ongoing threats

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung echoed Lam’s concerns, stating that hostile forces remain relentless in seeking opportunities to endanger national security.

He revealed that, as of this month, 326 people have been arrested under the National Security Law, with 165 convicted.

Tang emphasized that safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is not only Hong Kong’s constitutional duty but also a responsibility shared by all citizens.

He said the National Security Law filled critical legal gaps and stressed that the chaos of 2019 must never be forgotten—a "scar that will forever mark Hong Kong’s history."

Additionally, Tang highlighted the effectiveness of the police’s national security tip-off hotline, which has received over 920,000 public reports, calling the response "encouraging."

The government, he said, remains committed to upholding the law to protect national security.

National Security Law exhibition marks 5th anniversary with focus on past protests