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2025
The Government today said that it has no issue with people purely “checking in” or taking photos near prohibited places while passing by, provided there is no intention to endanger national security. The Government was responding to media enquiries about reporting, photo-taking and video-shooting at locations specified prohibited places under new subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO). It outlined that if people deliberately take photos or footage of the entrances or interiors of prohibited places so as to inspect such places, or engage in other conduct while filming or taking pictures that gives reasonable grounds to believe that they may endanger national security, police officers or guards at these sites have the power to ask them to leave. At a meeting of the Legislative Council subcommittee and a subsequent media session yesterday, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said that under section 45 of the SNSO a “specified officer” who has reasonable grounds to believe that exercising such power is necessary for safeguarding national security, may order any person to refrain from approaching or inspecting a prohibited place, including by electronic or remote means, and may order persons to leave. Any person who contravenes such an order commits an offence.
A Legislative Council subcommittee today completed the negative vetting of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung met the media after attending a meeting of the Subcommittee on Two Items of Subsidiary Legislation Made under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance this afternoon. Mr Lam said that in relation to the subsidiary legislation concerning the power of the Office for Safeguarding National Security, there are only 15 provisions. As to the declaration concerning prohibited places, it only refers to six premises. He also noted that more than five hours were spent on the vetting, with the number of questions and opinions expressed by lawmakers exceeding 150. “So I think any reasonable person would have agreed that the whole process is extremely serious and a thorough discussion had been given to all relevant provisions.”
The Acting Chief Executive-in-Council today approved the making of two pieces of subsidiary legislation under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), which were gazetted and came into effect immediately. They provide specific details in respect of the provisions of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) concerning the mandate of the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government (CPG) in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (OSNS) and declare the premises where the OSNS performs its mandate as prohibited places. The Hong Kong SAR Government said national security risks to which the Hong Kong SAR is exposed can arise all of a sudden with the increasingly turbulent global geopolitical landscape. Therefore, the Hong Kong SAR Government must perform its constitutional duty to continue to improve the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security and to formulate comprehensive measures for safeguarding national security to better implement the mechanisms for safeguarding national security, and prevent and tackle in a timely manner national security risks that may arise unexpectedly. The subsidiary legislation clearly outlines the Hong Kong SAR Committee for Safeguarding National Security (CSNS) making an overall plan for, and co-ordinating, the implementation of the opinions provided by the OSNS on the OSNS's oversight and guidance, and the CSNS Secretariat's assistance in giving effect thereto, for the better carrying into effect of the relevant provisions of the HKNSL. The HKNSL Aricle 55 provides that the OSNS shall, upon approval by the CPG, exercise jurisdiction over a case concerning the four types of offences endangering national security under the HKNSL under three specified special circumstances, which target a very small number of endangering national security cases that are of a serious and egregious nature and involve a significant impact. The subsidiary legislation provides for the implementation details, including requirements on public servants to provide all necessary and reasonable assistance to the OSNS in a timely manner; any person must comply with legal instrument issued by the OSNS under the HKNSL Article 57; and the provision of immunity from civil liability for complying with the OSNS's legal instrument. Furthermore, the subsidiary legislation provides for relevant offences, including offences for failing to comply with legal instrument, providing false or misleading information, and disclosing information on the OSNS's investigation. The subsidiary legislation also provides for specific details in respect of the provisions of the HKNSL regarding protection in respect of the OSNS and its staff in the performance of its mandate, including requirements on the Hong Kong SAR Government and any public servant to provide, in accordance with the law and in a timely manner, all necessary and reasonable assistance, facilitation, support, backing and protection; admissibility of an identification document or a document of certification created or issued by the OSNS to be in evidence in legal proceedings; making the acts of wilfully resisting or obstructing the OSNS in the performance of a duty, impersonating a staff member of the OSNS, or forging documents of the OSNS, an offence; and the obligation of any person to keep confidential the work-related information in connection with the OSNS.In addition, the subsidiary legislation clearly sets out the detailed addresses of the prohibited places and the clear coordinates of the points that can be linked to clearly define the entire prohibited area. Noting that the subsidiary legislation will go through the negative vetting procedure at the Legislative Council, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it will make every effort for the early completion of the scrutiny with a view to effectively safeguarding national security as soon as possible. It added that the subsidiary legislation will not affect the lives of the general public, nor the normal operation of any institution and organisation. Plus, the places designated as prohibited places do not involve private residences and will not cause any unreasonable impact on the surrounding community.
Since 2024, the Police Force has partnered with three post-secondary institutions to offer the Diploma of Applied Education - Police Cadet Training Programme. Through classroom learning, physical training and outdoor experiences, the programme aims to better prepare young people who aspire to join the force. Personal growthOne such trainee is Park Hae-jun, a 27-year-old born in Hong Kong to Korean parents. Before joining the programme, he voluntarily returned to Korea to complete his military service, hoping to build discipline and confidence. “I was born and raised in Hong Kong, and I consider Hong Kong my home - that is why I chose to come back,” he said. He shared that the programme offered far more than textbook knowledge. Instructors taught him how to manage conflict and overcome challenges. “When we face stress or setbacks, most of us want to give up. But here, we are trained to solve problems. The perseverance we have learned will not only help us in our careers but also in life.” Hands-on learning Another trainee, 19-year-old Sae-ung Wing-man, described the field trips as being the most valuable part of the programme. “They helped me to understand the work of the department I want to join, and how officers deal with different situations every day.” . Wing-man has long aspired to join the force in order to support the public. “The job is meaningful. It helps citizens solve problems. I want to be someone people can rely on. “In preparation, I will further improve my physical fitness, stress management, legal knowledge and communication skills.” Preparatory trainingThe Police Cadet School was established in 1973 and fulfilled its historical mission by 1990. Chief Inspector Wong Tak-choi, now responsible for physical and experiential training at the Police College, was once a cadet himself. He hopes that the trainees of the Police Cadet Training Programme can carry forward the spirit of the Police Cadet school. “Training methods may have changed, but our purpose remains the same - we want to nurture passionate young people who are ready to serve the community,” he said. He also noted that many who fail to complete police training often lack physical or mental preparation - areas the cadet training programme addresses directly. Course structureThe Police Force has co-organised this one-year training programme with the Caritas Institute of Community Education, the Hong Kong College of Technology, and the Hong Kong Institute of Technology. Apart from core and supplementary subjects, the curriculum includes a 180-hour elective cluster titled “Police Cadet Training”, which is composed of “Police Studies”, “Police Recruit Preparatory Training” and “Physical & Mindset Development”. Upon graduation, the trainees can attain a qualification equivalent to Level 2 in five Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education subjects, meeting the academic requirement for police constable recruitment. Final challenge After completing 22 weeks of police cadet training, the cadets took part in a passing-out parade. The event was inspected by Commissioner of Police Chow Yat-ming, who witnessed their growth and expressed his high expectations for their future success. He highlighted that the final challenge includes a five-day, four-night “hell week” involving outdoor endurance tasks similar to the Outward Bound adventure training. Mr Chow joined cadets on the final early morning hike to Tai Mo Shan and expressed that he was impressed by how spirited they were. “Some cadets had been injured earlier and could not complete the whole week, but they still tried to take part. Others felt exhausted, but they would still hold their heads up and pressed on.” During a sharing session on the mountain, cadets reflected on their experiences and Mr Chow shared his own. “The police career is long. Sometimes it feels lonely or dark - like the weather that day. But when you work as a team, someone will lead, and soon you will see the sunshine.” Future visionMr Chow revealed that the cadet programme took more than three years to develop. He acknowledged the challenges, but praised his team for their dedication. “It was like witnessing the birth of a child,” he stated. In addition to preparing future officers, Mr Chow stressed that he hopes the programme will revive the spirit of the former cadet school, whose graduates served with distinction across the force. “They lived by the values of wisdom, courage, integrity and perseverance. I hope this new generation will carry that torch forward.”
The Department of Justice today held its biennial "Mediate First" Pledge Event to encourage the community to use mediation for dispute resolution, with around 900 participants from different sectors taking part in the activity. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said in the opening remarks that mediation is the future of dispute resolution, adding that Hong Kong has a mature development in the field of mediation. He emphasised that the city will continue to promote mediation in dispute resolution and connect local, regional and global parties, fully demonstrating its vibrancy and charm as the Capital of Mediation. A forum was held as the first part of the event, followed by a panel discussion exploring the role of the Judiciary in promoting mediation. Family mediators and mediation institutions from different sectors shared their insights and discussed with stakeholders the direction in promoting family mediation in the future. The afternoon session began with another panel discussion, highlighting the collective efforts of the Government and stakeholders on ways to promote and deepen the mediation culture. Additionally, students who participated in the peer mediation training spoke on the use of mediation to resolve peer disputes and the benefits it brought. The event concluded with Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan delivering closing remarks. Fifty-two pledgees were presented awards in recognition of their achievements in promoting and adopting mediation in the course of their business operations. More than 1,000 organisations and individuals have signed the pledge since its launch in 2009.
Chief Executive John Lee has accepted the recommendation of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (JORC) that William Gillow Gibbes Austen Young be appointed as a non-permanent Court of Final Appeal judge. Subject to the Legislative Council’s endorsement, the Chief Executive will make the appointment under Article 88 of the Basic Law and section 9 of the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal Ordinance. Mr Lee announced that he is pleased to accept the JORC's recommendation, noting that Mr Young retired from his role as a Permanent Judge of New Zealand’s Supreme Court, that country's final court of appeal, in April 2022. “He is a judge of eminent standing and reputation," the Chief Executive said. "I am confident that he will contribute substantively to the Court of Final Appeal.” Mr Lee highlighted that with Mr Young’s appointment, the panel of non-permanent judges from other common law jurisdictions will consist of six eminent judges from the UK, Australia and New Zealand. “The presence of these esteemed overseas jurists as non-permanent judges of the Court of Final Appeal is a manifestation of the independence of the Judiciary in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region as protected by the Basic Law. “Their participation demonstrates a high degree of confidence in the Hong Kong SAR’s judicial system, and enables Hong Kong to maintain strong links with other common law jurisdictions.” The Chief Executive expressed confidence that distinguished jurists bringing profound judicial experience from overseas will remain a unique strength of Hong Kong's judicial system. Article 90 of the Basic Law and section 7A of the ordinance provide that the Chief Executive shall obtain the endorsement of the Legislative Council on the appointment of Court of Final Appeal judges. The Government will seek such an endorsement in due course.
The Security Bureau held an interdepartmental pre-typhoon tabletop exercise today at the Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre (EMSC) in the Central Government Offices. The exercise aimed to enhance the emergency response and collaboration of bureaus, departments and other parties concerned in handling possible emergency situations if Hong Kong is struck by a super typhoon. According to the Hong Kong Observatory's forecast, five to eight tropical cyclones are expected to hit the city this year. The tropical cyclone season will begin in June or earlier, and end in October or later. To ensure comprehensive preparedness, representatives from around 40 bureaus, departments and other parties participated in this year's exercise. The exercise simulated a scenario in which a super typhoon and heavy rainstorm battered Hong Kong, causing widespread destruction, property damage and serious blockage of main thoroughfares. Participants were required to outline their response measures under different scenarios. The exercise served as an interdisciplinary platform for the participants to share their experience and expertise, and enabled the participating parties to gain a deeper understanding of the operation of the EMSC as well as their respective roles and responsibilities, with a view to enhancing the preparedness and interdepartmental collaboration in responding to threats posed by super typhoons.
The Department of Justice is presenting a drama titled "Rule of Law Academy - Adventure to the Stars", aimed at promoting rule of law education to senior primary students and their parents, at the Cultural Centre's Grand Theatre today and tomorrow. The drama is part of the “Rule of Law through Drama” project and the two performances, marking Rule of Law Drama Day, are expected to attract about 2,000 attendees. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam and Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will play the roles of the Principal and Vice-principal of the Rule of Law Academy respectively. In the drama, they lead students on a thrilling adventure to learn about respect, integrity, justice and abiding by the law, conveying the message of “uphold justice, uphold the rule of law”. By integrating knowledge and creativity with rich interactive elements, the drama aims to encourage students and parents to embody integrity, mutual respect, equality and law-abiding awareness in their daily choices and actions, and to make rule of law education an integral part of family education. Since its launch in 2021, the “Rule of Law through Drama” project has involved over 300 drama performances for primary schools in various districts across the territory.
Police’s National Security Department (NSD) arrested two men, aged 35 and 68, in Tseung Kwan O on April 30 on suspicion of committing crimes in contravention of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and the Crimes Ordinance, and laid a charge against the 68-year-old man today.The Secretary for Security exercised the powers conferred by the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance to specify seven absconded fugitives, including Kwok Fung-yee, for being suspected of having committed offences endangering national security, and to specify the measures to be applied against the relevant absconders by notices published in the Gazette on December 24, 2024. Investigations revealed that the two arrestees assisted Kwok Fung-yee in changing the details of an insurance policy and attempted to withdraw its remaining value. The NSD laid a charge against the 68-year-old man with one count of "attempting to deal with, directly or indirectly, any funds or other financial assets or economic resources belonging to, or owned or controlled by, a relevant absconder". The case was due to be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon, while the other arrested man was released on bail pending further investigations. Police reminded the public that dealing with funds belonging to a relevant absconder is a serious crime and offenders are liable to seven years’ imprisonment on first conviction, and urged them not to defy the law.
The Police Force’s National Security Department has charged a 22-year-old man with one count of knowingly publishing material with seditious intent, in contravention of Section 24 of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance. The man is accused of repeatedly publishing posts with seditious intent on online platforms, including content provoking hatred, contempt or disaffection against the fundamental system of the state established by the Constitution, and inciting others to break the law. The man was arrested in Kowloon on Monday. The case was due to be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.