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2026
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today firmly rejected a so-called “hearing” held by politicians in the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC) regarding the case of Lai Chee-ying, who was convicted of offences endangering national security. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemned the CECC for blatantly colluding with anti-China and destabilising elements, making false and smearing remarks, and once again introducing a so-called “bill” and “sanctions” to intimidate the Hong Kong SAR personnel who safeguard national security. It pointed out that Western countries, including the US, maintain comprehensive national security legal frameworks. Yet, these countries and their politicians – including the CECC – display their hypocrisy and double standards by pointing fingers at the Hong Kong SAR’s efforts to safeguard national security. Anyone who vilifies the rule of law and the human rights situation in the Hong Kong SAR by exploiting the Lai Chee-ying case is distorting the facts and reversing right and wrong, the Hong Kong SAR Government said. It added that their malicious intent is transparent and must be resolutely refuted to set the record straight. The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that the Lai Chee-ying case has nothing to do with press freedom. Over the years, the defendants used journalism as a guise to create social conflicts, incite social antagonism and hatred, and glorify violence, bringing harm to the country and the city. The public trial revealed Lai's close management and hands-on control of Apple Daily’s editorial direction. He also repeatedly colluded with foreign forces to beg for sanctions and engage in hostile activities against the central government and the Hong Kong SAR Government. The court clearly stated that Lai's sole intent – before and after the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) – was to seek the downfall of the Communist Party of China, even though the ultimate cost was the sacrifice of the interests of the people of the People's Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR. Spanning 855 pages, the court's reasons for its verdict are fully open for public inspection. They detail the court's analysis of relevant legal principles and evidence, as well as the comprehensive grounds for convicting Lai and other defendants. Lai chose not to appeal against his conviction or sentence. The Hong Kong SAR Government stated that no matter how anti-China elements and politicians disguise their real agendas with sophistry and rhetoric, they can hardly whitewash the heinous crimes backed by overwhelming evidence. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences is equal to advocating special privileges to break the law, a notion that totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law. Regarding allegations about Lai’s health and custodial arrangements, the Hong Kong SAR Government noticed that certain individuals with ulterior motives have fabricated lies, stressing that facts speak louder than eloquence. The Correctional Services Department (CSD) ensures that the custodial environment for persons-in-custody (PICs) is safe, humane, appropriate and healthy in accordance with the law. Measures include adequate lighting, good ventilation and appropriate and timely medical support. All correctional institutions feature hospitals or sick bays staffed 24 hours a day by medical officers seconded from the Department of Health (DH) and correctional staff with professional nursing qualifications. Medical specialists from the Hospital Authority and the DH visit correctional institutions regularly to provide PICs specialist consultation and treatment. In serious cases, PICs are transferred immediately to a public hospital. The Hong Kong SAR Government asserted that the medical services received by Lai in custody are undoubtedly adequate and comprehensive. His senior counsel confirmed repeatedly that Lai had made no complaints about his treatment in custody, and the court affirmed in its sentencing remarks that the CSD has provided adequate medical attention. The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly condemns the anti-China politicians for using the so-called “hearing” to intimidate national security officials with so-called “sanctions”. Such actions constitute a gross interference in China's internal affairs and Hong Kong affairs, seriously violating international law and the basic norms governing international relations. It added that all relevant government officials are not intimidated and will continue to resolutely discharge their duties in safeguarding national security. The Hong Kong SAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, fully and faithfully upholding the top priority of the “one country, two systems” principle. The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to resolutely and fully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws. It will effectively impose punishment for acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, whilst safeguarding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of “one country, two systems”.
Hong Kong will strive to leverage its advantages as an international city and strengthen its global competitiveness under its first Five-Year Plan. Announcing the plan, Chief Executive John Lee outlined that it will steer a high-end and high-value-added transformation in the city’s service sector, enable the assembly of high-end resources and talent, and drive the integrated development of industries. A key area of focus will be the city’s development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. Under the plan, Hong Kong will leverage its unique advantages as a common law jurisdiction to develop as a hub for high-calibre legal talent, promote the closer interface of rules and mechanisms safeguarding the rule of law across the Greater Bay Area, and work with the International Organization for Mediation to further its role, thereby reinforcing Hong Kong’s status as a global mediation capital. Efforts will also be made to develop Hong Kong as a regional intellectual property (IP) trading centre. Besides enhancing IP protection mechanisms in alignment with international rules, reforms to the patent system will be deepened, with a view to fostering innovation and providing more effective support for technology transformation, and for the commercialisation, and industrialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes. A thriving IP trading ecosystem will be developed, meanwhile, through exploring IP financing modes, so as to channel capital into IP-intensive areas such as innovation and technology (I&T) and the cultural and creative industries. The five-year plan also covers Hong Kong’s development as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. The city will develop diverse arts, culture and creative industries, as well as the ecosystem to sustain them. It will also drive wider participation in sports, develop elite sports, maintain Hong Kong’s status as a centre for major international sports events, enhance professionalism in sports in the city, and develop sports as an industry. Furthermore, it will deepen the integrated development of culture, sports, and tourism, and enrich the supply of high-quality tourism products, while bolstering infrastructure and ancillary facilities. Hong Kong will develop a core demonstration zone for multi-destination tourism and facilitate visitors’ extension of their itineraries to the Greater Bay Area and other provinces and municipalities. Visit Part 2 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.
Chief Executive John Lee today emphasised that security is the prerequisite for development and that development reinforces security as he announced Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan. Under the blueprint, public governance will be enhanced by driving a shift towards a prevention-based model to bolster the resilience of the economy and society. Various initiatives will be spearheaded to improve security and efficiency through a reform-oriented mindset, he said. As part of the effort to build an efficient government, digital evolution and smart transformation of public administration will be expedited. To achieve this, technology will be leveraged to boost the efficiency of law enforcement agencies through the use of data analytics to improve surveillance to combat problems such as the abuse of public rental housing. A wider adoption of the “digital-first” principle in government will be promoted in procedures and work flows, while digital identity functions and one-stop e-services powered by “IAM Smart” and the Digital Corporate Identity Platform will be expanded. Meanwhile, the civil service training management system will be improved to entrench a people-oriented ethos. This will include improvements to the civil service performance appraisal system to ensure fairness in handing out rewards and punishment. Additionally, under the plan, Hong Kong’s disaster prevention, mitigation and response capabilities will be strengthened. Efforts will be made to integrate the city management system, connecting city management data from different departments. By using technologies such as AI, big data and the Internet of Things for inter-departmental data sharing, real-time analysis, risk alerts, instant predictions and management synergies, the city’s resilience can be further enhanced. Furthermore, under the holistic national security approach, Hong Kong’s institutions, legal system and enforcement mechanisms will be further strengthened to safeguard national security. Mr Lee emphasised that the Policy Address delivered by the Chief Executive will serve as an annual work plan for implementing the Five-Year Plan. The Budget provides solid resource support for the implementation of the Five-Year Plan and the annual Policy Address. The Chief Executive will report to the President of the People’s Republic of China and the Central Government on the implementation of the Five-Year Plan in the context of the annual duty visit. The implementation of the Five-Year Plan will be monitored, assessed and checked regularly, with mid-term adjustments to be made in light of actual circumstances. Visit Part 6 and Part 7 of Hong Kong’s First Five-Year Plan for more details.
An “AI City Brain” integrated city management system will anchor Hong Kong’s upgraded governance framework, as Chief Executive John Lee announced in his Policy Address today. The artificial intelligence (AI)-driven system will link big data across government works, the environment, transportation and emergency response to create a data-sharing environment for multi-directional empowerment, according to the Policy Address. The initiative will enable departments to receive real-time information, strengthening their capabilities in day-to-day city management and emergency handling. A dedicated Task Force on the “AI City Brain” System will be formed to examine and develop the platform, with the digital infrastructure of the Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre scheduled for integration in the first phase. Beyond the city management system, AI will be deployed to optimise broader public services under the “AI+” initiative. The government will improve public rental housing estate management using AI technologies, while the Hospital Authority will leverage them to facilitate service arrangements and reduce average triage times. Additionally, drone applications will be expanded across emergency response and crime prevention to safeguard citizens. To boost infrastructure reliability, the government will launch a water supply network upgrading programme to replace or rehabilitate 350km of aged water mains with higher leakage risks over the next five years. This represents an average rate of 70km per year – doubling the target for 2026-27 – with an initial focus on Shau Kei Wan, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing. An Intelligent Water Network Closed-loop Management Chain will also be established to perform AI predictive maintenance. Meanwhile, public services under the 1823 hotline will be upgraded to achieve “prompt referral and successful resolution”. A lead department will be designated and authorised to coordinate inter-departmental service requests and complaints, while each department will assign a directorate officer to monitor handling efficiency. The system will leverage AI to identify recurrent problems for departments to review, shifting government response from post-complaint management to a proactive approach. The Deputy Chief Secretary will review progress regularly and brief the Steering Committee on District Governance. Visit Chapter VIII of the Chief Executive’s Policy Address for more details.
A new generation of breathing apparatus has hit the frontlines of Hong Kong’s fire services, marking a significant technological leap designed to withstand the increasingly volatile conditions of modern fire scenes. Firefighters from stations across the city recently gathered for a live simulation drill, testing equipment with comprehensive upgrades. The new gear aims to boost operational efficiency while providing enhanced safeguards for crews in the line of duty. Navigation lifelineFire Services Department Assistant Divisional Officer (Breathing Apparatus) Yip Chi-ho highlighted how the gear upgrade directly addresses the most hostile environments faced by frontline crews. "Thick smoke is a great threat at a fire scene because the carbon monoxide and toxic gases inside can be lethal," Mr Yip said. "That is why firefighters must wear breathing apparatus when entering a fire scene." The department has introduced an Emergency Breathing Safety System to protect frontline crews when air supplies run dangerously low during rescue operations. The system features a dedicated hose with a quick-connect fitting, allowing firefighters to share air with a colleague in distress. By simply connecting the two hoses, the system instantly diverts and supplies air to both users simultaneously, facilitating a safer, joint evacuation. Pressure-proof communicationThe new masks feature an integrated team communication device, a hands-free system designed to provide clear audio, even in the loudest environments. Senior Fireman Wesley Chiu described how the new design transforms frontline operations compared to older gear. "The team communication device has a built-in microphone and earphone inside the face mask," he said. "We can speak directly through the inner mask and hear clearly, even with the mask on. There is also a full duplex so that everyone can talk at the same time and still hear each other perfectly, just like face-to-face conversation." Rapid sanitisationTime is the most critical resource on the front lines. The upgraded model features a simplified quick-connect coupling, slashing the time required to change an air cylinder. A procedure that previously took about 1.5 minutes, can now be completed in under 10 seconds. Beyond operational speed, the department is safeguarding the long-term health of its crews by prioritising hygiene. The new shoulder straps and waist belts are crafted from non-textile materials that do not absorb water or fire contaminants, meaning the gear can be cleaned more easily. Adaptive trainingThe evolution of the service extends beyond the equipment itself. The department has also overhauled its training facilities, moving away from fixed layouts. New operable partition systems allow for rapidly reconfigurable spaces, enabling instructors to simulate a wider variety of environments. Fireman Leung Hoi-tik noted the importance of this shift. "The biggest advantage is to create a truly unknown training environment. Previously, the layout was fixed, so we got used to it after repeated drills " he said. The new facility can simulate residential units, mini-storage facilities, subdivided flats and industrial buildings. "Closely reflecting real fire scenes, tying in with drills using different equipment and search and rescue modes, it greatly enhances our adaptability and psychological resilience," Mr Leung added. Following the successful deployment of the operable partition system at Wong Tai Sin Fire Station, a similar training facility has now officially launched at Pok Fu Lam Fire Station. With three further facilities scheduled for completion, the roll-out underscores a commitment to bolstering the capabilities of frontline firefighters across Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it strongly condemned malicious attacks, smears and slanders by external forces following the sentencing of defendants in the “Hong Kong Alliance” subversion incitement case. In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government expressed strong dissatisfaction with various western countries, anti-China media, overseas organisations, politicians and others for making such attacks. It said certain individuals had exploited national security cases to fabricate lies and scaremongering remarks and to launch attacks against the rule of law, human rights and other aspects of the Hong Kong SAR. It urged them to recognise objective facts and stop making despicable, politically motivated attacks. The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that, as it has stressed on multiple occasions, human rights in Hong Kong are robustly guaranteed both by the Constitution of the People’s Republic of China and the Basic Law. Specifically, Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and Section 2 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in the process of safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR; and that the rights and freedoms Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law, and under the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. The Hong Kong SAR Government added, however, that – as in other places in the world – such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR expressly states that certain rights and freedoms, including freedom of speech, may be subject to restrictions, as prescribed by law, that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety and public order, or the rights and freedoms of others. The statement outlined that in recent years, western countries have continuously generalised the concept of national security, intimidating individuals and enterprises engaged in legitimate activities, and suppressing dissidents. It said western governments and politicians have failed to reflect on their own actions, and that their institutions and media have turned a blind eye. External forces, it added, have adopted double standard in attacking the Hong Kong SAR for fulfilling its duty to safeguard national security in strict adherence with the rule of law. Highlighting that people with ulterior motives have used the “Hong Kong Alliance” case to attack “one country, two systems”, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the Hong Kong SAR is an inalienable and indisputable part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC), which always provides the strongest support to Hong Kong. It added that that “one country, two systems” has enabled Hong Kong to successfully overcome various challenges, and that the more firmly the “one country” principle is upheld, the greater the strength of “two systems”. It said national security is the cornerstone of Hong Kong’s prosperity and stability, and that safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests constitute the highest principle of “one country, two systems”. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that the law never allows anyone to harm their country and compatriots under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom. Regardless of the nature of the case, it said, the court arrived at its verdict and sentencing in strict accordance with relevant laws and evidence, fairly and impartially, free from any interference, and absolutely without any political considerations. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from the legal consequences of their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, it added. Moreover, it emphasised that no country’s constitution would allow citizens to subvert the constitutional order and fundamental system of the country established by the Constitution. As stated in the court’s reasoning, the Constitution is the “fundamental law” above any other laws of the state and “has supreme legal authority”. The Constitution is also the constitution of the Hong Kong SAR and the foundation for its laws. The Constitution and the Basic Law jointly establish the constitutional order of the Hong Kong SAR. The basic and core components of the Constitution, such as those relating to constitutional order, national sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, all apply to the Hong Kong SAR. “Leadership by the Communist Party of China (CPC)”, outlined in the Constitution, is the core of the “fundamental system” it establishes. Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the “fundamental system” of the PRC to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers. The Hong Kong SAR Government also outlined that incitement to subversion is an extremely serious offence. It said the conviction and sentencing in this case fully reflect the criminal responsibilities of the defendants and serve a strong deterrent effect. The court’s reasons for its verdict give full details of the legal principles involved, the evidence admitted, and the considerations involved in the convictions. As regards the length of the sentences for individual defendants, the court’s reasons for these are clearly set out in its considerations for sentencing, including various reasons for determining that the case involves “an offense of a serious nature”. The court said the defendants had shown hostility towards the CPC and the central government, and resisted the latter and refused to make any compromise. It said that after the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on embracing resistance to the very end, even though they knew that what they had said and done might have already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression. The court added that the defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, thereby undermining the fundamental system of the PRC. The court also emphasised that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. It said they were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the law came into effect. The Hong Kong SAR Government said this case and other recent court rulings on various cases in connection with offences endangering national security serve as solid evidence that the HKNSL and other relevant laws for safeguarding national security are capable of preventing, suppressing and punishing all offences endangering national security. Without this strong legal barrier against criminals, it added, Hong Kong and China will suffer significant harms, carrying unimaginable consequences. The statement added that it is the common obligation of all the people of China, including Hong Kong compatriots, to safeguard the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of the PRC. It said Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law, is committed to ensuring that laws are observed and strictly enforced, and will spare no effort in preventing, suppressing and punishing acts and activities that endanger national security.
Chief Executive John Lee said today that the law never allows anyone to openly harm their own country and compatriots by employing confounding tactics under the pretext of human rights, democracy and freedom. Mr Lee made his remarks following the sentencing of the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance and related figures Lee Cheuk-yan, Ho Chun-yan and Chow Hang-tung, who were charged with incitement to subversion under Article 23 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL). The Court of First Instance handed down its sentences today. Chow Hang-tung received seven years and three months in prison, while Lee Cheuk-yan was sentenced to seven years. Ho Chun-yan, who had previously pleaded guilty, was given five years and two months. Additionally, the Hong Kong Alliance was fined $1,500,000. The court ruled that the present case was of a serious nature, pointing out that although the HKNSL had been implemented at the material time, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution of the People's Republic of China and the Basic Law. The court noted that the defendants engaged in criminal acts of incitement amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, putting national security and public order at greater risk. The defendants possessed mobilising power and influence in Hong Kong. Their criminal activities persisted for as long as 14 months and were committed through various activities and online platforms. The relevant activities were citywide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated. Despite the defendants' knowledge that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they recalcitrantly pursued their course of conduct after the HKNSL came into effect, vigorously advocating and promoting their premeditated agenda. The court reiterated in its reasons for sentencing that the HKNSL had no retrospective effect and that the defendants were put on trial not because of their political ideology or their conduct before the HKNSL. They were convicted solely on the basis that they had committed acts prohibited under the HKNSL after the HKNSL came into effect. Mr Lee said that the court pointed out clearly in its reasons for the verdict of conviction handed down earlier that the very aim of the alliance's agendas was to overthrow and undermine the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) under the Constitution. The defendants intended to cause others to lose confidence in the CPC by stirring up hostility and causing division, so as to achieve the objective of undermining the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China (PRC). He said that after the implementation of the HKNSL, the defendants refused to pull back from the brink and were bent on acting wilfully, attempting to make use of the alliance to subvert state power. “This case shows that anyone who intends to incite subversion and endanger national security will ultimately be punished in accordance with the law, and such acts will absolutely not be tolerated," Mr Lee said. “As pointed out by the court in the reasons for verdict, what the defendants did in this case had already gone beyond the scope of lawful freedom of expression, and constituted acts of inciting others to subvert state power by unlawful means. “The sentences today demonstrate the court's confirmation that the offences committed by the defendants were extremely serious and warrant severe punishment to uphold the rule of law,” he added. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said that Article 1 of the Constitution expressly prohibits any organisation or individual from damaging the socialist system. Article 22 of the HKNSL explicitly prohibits anyone from organising, planning, committing or participating in acts by force, threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting state power, such as overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution, or overthrowing the body of central power of the PRC. Under the Constitution, overthrowing or undermining the leadership status of the CPC is tantamount to overthrowing or undermining the fundamental system of the PRC established by the Constitution to which Article 22 of the HKNSL refers. The Hong Kong SAR Government also pointed out that it has taken note that various western countries, anti-China organisations, politicians and foreign media have recently launched malicious attacks and smears on various cases including this case. It has reiterated on multiple occasions, just as the court has stated clearly, that the defendants in this case were put on trial not because of their political views or beliefs. The court will only consider the laws and evidence relevant to the case to decide whether the prosecution is able to prove the charge beyond a reasonable doubt. All defendants received a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, as guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, free from any interference. The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that it has the responsibility to safeguard national security, and will resolutely combat acts and activities endangering national security. In this regard, it will ensure that laws are observed and strictly enforced to bring offenders to account, and to prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.
The Court of First Instance today handed down its sentences against the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance and related figures, with Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung stating that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government considers the ruling manifests that justice is done and safeguards the city's core values. Meeting the media today, Mr Tang said that the Alliance's objective was to overthrow the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the fundamental system of the People's Republic of China under the Constitution. He noted that the group conducted public activities over a long period with the intent to sow hatred against the CPC and the central government in Hong Kong society, while inciting others to subvert state power. Such acts, he stressed, must be deterred in accordance with the law. Mr Tang said the court reiterated that the defendants were not tried for their political ideology, words or deeds prior to the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL), but were convicted solely for unlawful acts committed during the charge period. He highlighted that the sentence also explicitly set out six reasons why the case was of a serious nature. First, at the material time of the case, some individuals were still unwilling to accept the exercise of sovereignty by the state over the Hong Kong SAR, nor were they willing to accept the constitutional order established by the Constitution and the Basic Law. The defendants engaged in inciting words and deeds amid a turbulent and unsettled social atmosphere, placing national security and public order at greater risk. Second, the defendants' criminal conduct was not an isolated incident, persisting for a period as long as 14 months. They committed the offence through various activities and on various social media platforms. Additionally, the defendants possessed mobilising power and influence, with the impact of their words and deeds on the general public far exceeding that of lesser-known individuals. Their activities were city-wide with an extensive reach, influencing people of different age groups, and their potential harm must not be underestimated. Lastly, despite the defendants' belief that their agenda might be in breach of the Constitution and the HKNSL, they still persistently pursued their course of conduct, which was premeditated. Mr Tang stressed that safeguarding national security is an obligation of all Hong Kong citizens and the constitutional responsibility of the Hong Kong SAR. “The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to effectively prevent, suppress and punish acts endangering national security in accordance with the law, ensuring the steadfast and successful implementation of the 'one country, two systems'," he said.
The Buildings Department (BD) and the Labour Department (LD) have filed a total of 284 prosecutions over the Wang Fuk Court fire incident in Tai Po, comprising 259 repair work-related offences and 25 occupational safety charges. The BD today laid charges for a total of 259 offences against four persons and two companies in connection with the major building repair works at Wang Fuk Court, where a fire broke out on November 26 last year. The two companies charged are the works consultancy firm, Will Power Architects Company Limited (Will Power), and the main contractor, Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, Limited (Prestige). The four individuals charged include Will Power director Wong Hap-yin and registered inspector Ng Yeuk, alongside Prestige directors Hau Wa-kin and Ho Kin-yip. Following the incident, the BD and the Independent Checking Unit (ICU) of the Housing Bureau investigated the major repair works at the estate. Based on the ICU’s findings of irregularities and after seeking legal advice from the Department of Justice, the BD laid the charges under the Buildings Ordinance (BO). The charges include allegedly permitting or authorising the use of materials in building works that are defective or do not comply with the provisions of the BO; permitting or authorising building works and inspections to be carried out in a manner causing injury to any person or damage to property; and failing to properly supervise repair works, among other contraventions. The BD once again reminded contractors and relevant building works practitioners to properly supervise inspections and building works in accordance with the BO and its subsidiary regulations and the relevant Codes of Practice to ensure suitable materials are used and works are carried out safely. Meanwhile, the LD has initiated at this stage a total of 25 prosecutions regarding the fire incident which caused the death of five construction contractor employees, following consultation with the Department of Justice. The prosecutions were brought against a contractor, a project consultant and an individual, by way of indictment under the Factories & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance for general duty contraventions. The LD emphasised that it does not tolerate contraventions of occupational safety and health legislation, and will strictly enforce the law.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy and the Ministry of Commerce, the inaugural Training Course on International Trade and International Investment Legal Practice commenced today. The course aims to enhance capacity in "foreign-related rule of law". Addressing its opening ceremony, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said that Hong Kong, as an international centre for finance, trade and professional services, has long maintained close trade and export ties with the Mainland and markets around the world. He said the course will allow participants to strengthen their capabilities in tackling emerging risks and challenges, acquaint themselves with fast-moving policies and market developments, engage in exchanges with international counterparts, work to safeguard the interests of economies, and seize opportunities in an increasingly complex global landscape. Participants on the course include 20 senior experts from the Ministry of Commerce specialising in international negotiations and policy formulation, as well as dozens of other officials from the Mainland and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The five-day programme covers topics such as the evolving geopolitical landscape for international trade, including export controls and sanctions regimes; emerging trade policy instruments; dispute resolution; technological developments; and legal issues arising from Chinese enterprises "going global". Speakers include Deputy Secretary-General of the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Gabriela Alvarez Avila; a professor specialising in international relations; practitioners from law firms, an accounting firm and an advisory firm; representatives of the Department of Justice and arbitral institutions; a member of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee; and representatives from the Trade & Industry Department and the Financial Services Development Council.