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2024

26/02/2024
The Territory-wide Inter-school National Security Knowledge Challenge held its finals and awards presentation ceremony today to commend the winning students’ outstanding performance in the challenge. Chief Executive John Lee said in a video speech that he believed the students have enriched their understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law, the National Security Law (NSL) and the holistic view of national security as well as increased their awareness of the responsibility in safeguarding national security through participating in the challenge. He pointed out that the Basic Law Article 23 legislation is an integral part of safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, enabling the Hong Kong SAR to have a more comprehensive and effective legal system to safeguard national security. Mr Lee also highlighted that the Basic Law Article 23 legislation will be a new area of national security education and that the Hong Kong SAR Government will proactively take forward the relevant work. He encouraged school principals, teachers and parents to lead by example and together deepen students’ understanding of the legislation. Officiating at the presentation ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam pointed out that national security is a fundamental safeguard for upholding national sovereignty, security and development interests. Mr Lam added that the promulgation and implementation of the NSL has brought a safer and more stable environment to Hong Kong as well as a better learning and upbringing environment for students. He hoped that students would keep their interest and passion on national security, engage in continuous learning and active participation, and contribute to building a safe and stable environment. Jointly organised by the Department of Justice, the Security Bureau, the Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Shine Tak Foundation, the challenge aims to enhance students' understanding of the Constitution, the Basic Law and the NSL. It was conducted in the form of a quiz and divided into four sections, ie primary school and secondary school sections, both of which included team and individual competitions. Over 102,000 students from 585 primary and secondary schools participated in the challenge.
23/02/2024
On day two of his inspection visit, CPC Central Committee Hong Kong & Macao Work Office Director and State Council Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office Director Xia Baolong met lawmakers and entrepreneurs. Mr Xia, accompanied by Chief Executive John Lee, had an engagement session with all Executive Council non-official members this morning. In the company of Mr Lee and Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Mr Xia had another engagement session with Legislative Council President Andrew Leung and LegCo members which was attended by the chairmen and deputy chairmen of the LegCo House Committee, Finance Committee and its two subcommittees as well as the 18 LegCo panels. In the afternoon, Mr Xia, accompanied by Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, inspected the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office where he was briefed by its Director-General Sun Jin on the office’s preparatory work and progress. Mr Xia then had an exchange session with over 20 Hong Kong entrepreneurs on topics such as Hong Kong’s economic development. Also in attendance were the Chief Executive, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong, Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui, Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau and Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn.
22/02/2024
The Correctional Services Department, in its annual review, said today that the number of new admissions to correctional facilities – including detainees, remand prisoners and convicted individuals – increased 30% to 17,268 in 2023, up from 13,246 in 2022. At a press conference, Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing said the average daily penal population at correctional facilities had increased to 8,498 persons in 2023, compared to 7,613 persons in 2022. The average daily occupancy rate rose from 67% to 75%. Moreover, the average daily number of remand prisoners hit a new record high since 2000 of 3,096, up from 2,666 in 2022.  Mr Wong said that to ease the strain on Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre, capacity at Stanley Prison and Tung Tau Correctional Institution had been deployed to accommodate adult male remand prisoners. He added that the department will begin the partial redevelopment of Lai Chi Kok Reception Centre in mid-2024 to increase its capacity for adult male remand prisoner by 410 places, thereby helping to alleviate overcrowding. The commissioner said that the number of admissions to correctional institutions owing to involvement in offences relating to black-clad violence and the contravention of the National Security Law stood at 950, rising from 829 in 2022. As at the end of 2023, the number of individuals in custody owing to involvement in offences relating to black-clad violence or contraventions of the National Security Law was 776, an increase of 49% compared to a year earlier. To deal with very hot weather conditions, the department has been exploring and introducing new measures in recent years to improve air ventilation in correctional institutions. Last year, it commissioned a works department to apply a cooling coating on the rooftops of some buildings at two institutions in order to test the coating’s heat-reducing effect, with favourable results being observed. The department said it will discuss the wider application of the cooling coating at suitable correctional facilities with the works department concerned, subject to the availability of resources. On its rehabilitation work, the department said it had launched a variety rehabilitation programmes under Project PATH to address the special rehabilitation needs of those in custody owing to involvement in offences relating to black-clad violence and contraventions of the National Security Law. It has also launched a series of educational activities to enhance knowledge of Chinese history among young persons in custody, and their sense of national identity, and has established flag-raising teams among such young persons. Mr Wong also mentioned that the department set up Multi-purpose Family & Rehabilitation Service Centres in Sha Tin and Tuen Mun last year, as well as Parent-child Centres at Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre, Tong Fuk Correctional Institution and Stanley Prison. Through its Rehabilitation Pioneer Project, the department organised 12 community education activities designed to disseminate key messages to young people in relation to safeguarding our country and home, and leading a law-abiding and drug-free life, as well as around offender rehabilitation. Last year, a total of 41,683 youth participants joined such activities, up from 23,777 in 2022. The department also launched an official Instagram account to let more young people understand its work and significance. Mr Wong revealed that the department expects to recruit about 55 correctional officers this year, and that year-round recruitment for assistant officers will continue. To promote the application of innovation and technology, and high-quality development, the department signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation last year to deepen co-operation and promote sustainable development of smart prisons.
21/02/2024
The Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s journey began half a century ago. Its clear and compelling mission is to ensure that Hong Kong remains fair, just, stable and prosperous, then as now. Over the past five decades, the ICAC has become an integral part of governance, partnering with our community, and indeed every sector in the community, to uphold the principles of integrity, accountability and transparency. Thanks to the ICAC and its formidable anti-corruption regime, the people of Hong Kong have long enjoyed equal opportunities to pursue their aspirations, whatever they may be. That legacy, established some 50 years ago, carries on today, under the auspices of the unique “one country, two systems” principle. We take heart, and pride, in our city’s long-standing rule of law, clean public services, level playing field for doing business, and community-wide embrace of integrity, mutual respect and fairness. Hong Kong is widely recognised as one of the world’s cleanest cities. In the International Institute for Management Development’s latest World Competitiveness Yearbook, Hong Kong was ranked the world’s second best in government efficiency. This remarkable result was contributed, in no small part, by our high ranking in anti-corruption. Under the criterion called “bribery and corruption do not exist”, Hong Kong was No. 1 throughout Asia, and No. 10 in the world, among over 60 places surveyed. The World Justice Project, which put Hong Kong in the 23rd place globally on the rule of law, also rated us the world’s No. 9 on absence of corruption, out of over 140 places. These compelling results have placed Hong Kong in a strong position, both within Asia and globally, in maintaining clean governance and social integrity. They are clear testimony to the ICAC’s solid efforts in eradicating corruption in the past five decades. Integrity is pivotal to ensuring the continuing prosperity and stability of Hong Kong, and realising our essential contributions to national development. The ICAC supports the country’s anti-corruption drive and policy. It also works closely with like-minded agencies around the world, to advance anti-corruption initiatives. Indeed, the ICAC currently holds the presidency of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities, committed to promoting the effective implementation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is dedicated to working with every part of our society, as well as our counterparts around the world, in fostering a culture sustained by probity. In this regard, I am delighted to welcome the establishment of the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption. This new institution has been created to help in the global struggle against corruption. The academy will offer anti-corruption training courses for graft fighters in Hong Kong and around the world. The academy will also serve as an international research and exchange centre for anti-corruption experts from different parts of the globe. The academy's initiatives will, I am confident, boost Hong Kong’s status as an anti-corruption centre, while promoting our clean society, social stability and the value we place on integrity and the rule of law. It is an ambitious undertaking – one fully in keeping with the ICAC’s historic anniversary and its renowned prowess in the fight against corruption – and I, for one, cannot wait for the new academy to get going. As we mark the ICAC’s milestone, let us also recognise, and commend, the collective efforts of the ICAC’s dedicated staff, past and present. I applaud, as well, every individual who has contributed to Hong Kong’s long-standing success against corruption and its incessant threats. Their commitment and pursuit of justice have ensured Hong Kong’s success, while inspiring jurisdictions around the world. Ladies and gentlemen, here in Hong Kong, we are celebrating not only the ICAC’s golden jubilee, but also the Lunar New Year. I have every confidence that this bright new year promises strength, wisdom and leadership – qualities that you and the ICAC possess in blessed abundance. That can only mean a very good year for Hong Kong. And each and every one of you. Happy birthday, ICAC. I have every confidence that you will continue to inspire Hong Kong, and the world, over the next 50 years and beyond. Thank you. Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the ICAC 50th Anniversary Reception, which doubled as the Establishment Ceremony of the Hong Kong International Academy Against Corruption, on February 21.
21/02/2024
The total number of reported drug abusers in 2023 rose 3% from 2022 to 5,500, the Action Committee Against Narcotics announced today. According to the latest Central Registry of Drug Abuse figures, the number of reported drug abusers aged under 21 declined by 11% to 659. The most common substances taken among drug abusers in 2023 were heroin, cocaine and "ice" (methamphetamine), while people under 21 mostly took cocaine, cannabis and ketamine. Speaking on the rise in the total number of reported drug abusers in 2023, the committee's Chairman Donald Li noted that changes were observed in the drug situation as Hong Kong resumed normalcy in full in 2023 after the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the total number of reported drug abusers last year was still lower than in 2019 or 2018, the committee reminded relevant government departments to pay close attention to the changes in the drug situation and also suggested that they continue various anti-drug campaigns. The number of people arrested for drug offences in 2023 dropped 15% to 3,406 compared with 2022. For the same period of comparison, the number of arrestees aged under 21 decreased by 33% to 323, with cannabis and cocaine the main drugs involved. Meanwhile, 87% of the people prosecuted for drug offences were convicted.
20/02/2024
(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.) The consultation exercise for the Basic Law Article 23 legislation has already garnered many opinions, with the majority of the views expressed supporting its enactment, Chief Executive John Lee said today. The Basic Law Article 23 legislation consultation launched by the Government will end on February 28 and Mr Lee was asked about its progress by reporters before he attended the Executive Council meeting this morning. “We have been receiving a lot of opinions,” he said. “The majority of them support Article 23 enactment. “We also believe that because of what we went through in 2019 in the attempted colour revolution, the awareness has been very strong.” The Chief Executive added that the consultation results will be presented to the Legislative Council. “The general opinions give me the impression that they are in support (of) the overall goal of enacting Article 23 to ensure that we protect ourselves when people want to cause damage to us. “We will, of course, report the overall result of consultation in due course to LegCo.”
16/02/2024
Apart from smashing a money laundering syndicate which had laundered about $14 billion through transnational trade activities, Customs has frozen about $165 million worth of assets under the names of those arrested in the case. Customs made the announcement today and pointed out that this is the largest money laundering case it has shut down to date in terms of the amount of tainted money involved. It explained that Customs officers had earlier identified a suspected money laundering syndicate and initiated a financial investigation. During the probe, the officers discovered that the family-owned syndicate not only opened multiple companies and bank accounts in Hong Kong but also recruited locals through an intermediary to open shell companies and stooge accounts for dealing with about $14 billion of crime proceeds. The investigation also revealed that some of the tainted money originated from the proceeds of mobile application scams in India. On a pretence of exporting jewellery and diamonds to India, the syndicate turned the fraudulent proceeds into payments of goods to transfer the illicit gains to local corporate bank accounts under its control. Customs officers raided 11 premises across different districts in Hong Kong on January 30. Seven people, comprising four Chinese and three non-ethnic Chinese, aged between 23 and 74, were arrested on a money laundering offence under the Organised & Serious Crimes Ordinance. Customs also cracked down on a money laundering operation centre at a commercial premises and seized a large quantity of suspected synthetic gemstones, a number of mobile phones, computers, company chops, cheque books, bank cards, bank documents and trading documents in the arrestees' residential and commercial premises. The investigation is ongoing and the likelihood of further arrests has not been ruled out. People may call 2545 6182, fill out an online form or send an email to the department to report suspected smuggling activities.
10/02/2024
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said the Government will be wholehearted in its governance in the New Year. Speaking at the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival 2024 in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, this morning, Mr Chan wished for the collaboration of the Government, the business sector and the community in achieving four hopes: safeguarding national security with resolute determination; drawing diverse talent with full confidence; supporting grassroots communities with joint efforts; and enhancing district governance with people's needs taken to heart. The Chief Secretary also visited the Shenzhen Bay Control Point to learn about its preparation and operations during the Lunar New Year holidays. He was pleased to note that the various control points in Hong Kong have been generally operating in an orderly and smooth manner.  The Shenzhen Bay Control Point and the Lo Wu Control Point are extending their service hours on specified dates during the Lunar New Year holidays for the first time, to divert cross-boundary passenger and vehicular movements more effectively.  Mr Chan instructed all relevant departments to press ahead with the full implementation of the special boundary-crossing and relevant transport arrangements for the holidays. He also appealed to travellers visiting Hong Kong during the Lunar New Year to plan their trips in advance to avoid departure via land boundary control points in the small hours or peak hours as well as encouraged them to stay overnight in the city for a more diverse and enriching travel experience.
08/02/2024
The Immigration Department (ImmD) today reviewed its work in 2023, covering responding to the demand for travel document services, law enforcement, and support for Hong Kong residents in distress outside the city, among others. The department noted that with the gradual resumption of normalcy in society, it received a total of more than 1.45 million Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport applications in 2023. Over 195,000 applications were recorded in the single month of March. Both the numbers of applications for the whole year or by month reached record highs since the department began the issuance of Hong Kong SAR passports in July 1997. During the year, the department conducted a total of 13,370 related inspection operations at various immigration control points and intercepted 20,811 passengers for enquiries. A total of 23,464 passengers were intercepted for enquiries. With effect from October 2023, the department relaxed the visa policy in respect of employment for Vietnamese talent and the criteria for Vietnamese applying for a multiple‑journey visit visa to come to Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Laotian and Nepalese talent have also been allowed to come to Hong Kong for employment, training and study in full-time locally accredited local programmes at undergraduate or above level offered by the University Grants Committee-funded institutions. In February 2023, the Hong Kong SAR Government sent a rescue team including two ImmD officers to Türkiye to take part in the earthquake rescue mission. This was the first overseas rescue operation conducted since the establishment of the Hong Kong SAR. In October 2023, the department received 59 requests for assistance from Hong Kong residents in relation to the heightened tensions between Palestine and Israel. After liaison with various parties, it helped all assistance seekers leave or take flights to return to Hong Kong safely. Looking ahead, the department is scheduled to relocate offices and facilities concerned to the new headquarters in Tseung Kwan O in phases starting from March this year, and the new headquarters will officially provide services to the public starting from June 11. The new Personal Documentation Submission Kiosks and Personal Documentation Collection Kiosks will be set up at the new headquarters. The public can pick up both identity cards and Hong Kong SAR passports in a fully automated manner using the new collection kiosks. To facilitate the Government's measures for attracting and retaining talent, the department will implement the new Capital Investment Entrant Scheme and the Vocational Professionals Admission Scheme in 2024. To enhance the 1868 hotline system, the department is planning to introduce advanced functions in the current quarter, including instant messaging in the Hong Kong Immigration Mobile Application and the 1868 assistance hotline in the department's WeChat official account.
08/02/2024
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today firmly opposed and strongly condemned a joint statement made by four former consuls general of the US to Hong Kong in relation to a case involving Lai Chee-ying, and the US Consulate General in Hong Kong for posting the statement. In response to the statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said any attempt to interfere in the city’s judicial proceedings by means of political power, media or any other means, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong. “Making a statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, is very likely to constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice.” Moreover, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the city’s law enforcement agencies have been taking enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, adding that such actions have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. It also made it clear that the suggestion that certain individuals or groups should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special pass to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. Apart from strongly urging the US and the former consuls general to discern facts from fallacies, the Hong Kong SAR Government stated that they should stop interfering in Hong Kong’s internal affairs and Hong Kong courts’ independent exercise of judicial power.

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