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2024
The Government today strongly condemned recent attempts by some individuals overseas to exert improper pressure on Court of Final Appeal non-permanent judge Patrick Keane, blatantly interfering with ongoing criminal proceedings in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Government noted that any attempt by any organisation or individual to exert pressure on judges and judicial officers, and interfere with the criminal justice process by means of political power or any other means, is clearly a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the Hong Kong SAR and should be vehemently condemned. It highlighted that Hong Kong's rule of law and independent judicial power are guaranteed under the Basic Law, which specifically provides that the judicial power, including that of final adjudication, vested with the Hong Kong SAR, is to be exercised by the Judiciary independently, free from any interference. The Government said it fully supports the Judiciary in exercising its judicial power independently, safeguarding the due administration of justice and the rule of law. Regarding Lai Chee-ying's case concerning the National Security Law, the Government pointed out that as the relevant legal proceedings are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case or exert improper interference. The Government emphasised that all cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung today visited the Immigration Department’s (ImmD) new headquarters in Tseung Kwan O to gain a first-hand understanding of the department’s services, latest developments and frontline work. Mrs Yeung first met Director of Immigration Benson Kwok and other directorate staff for a briefing on the department’s latest developments. This was followed by a meeting with staff representatives from various grades to hear their concerns and views. At the Registration of Persons Office, staff briefed her on the self-service personal documentation services at the headquarters. The new kiosks will further facilitate the submission of applications and collection of personal documentation in a self-service manner, thereby providing higher quality public services. Mrs Yeung also toured the new Marriage Registry. Its marriage hall has been popular since opening in June this year, thanks to its novel design with various photo-taking spots set up in the outdoor area such as the heart-shaped garden for newlyweds and guests to pose for photos. The civil service chief also inspected the Enterprise System Management Centre, which is responsible for monitoring the operation of the computer systems of all control points and offices. The centre operates around the clock and monitors the status of various computer systems in real time. It provides prompt response and co-ordination where necessary to ensure the smooth operation of the computer systems.
The Labour Department (LD) and the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) indicated today that they have taken actions following the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC)’s recent arrests for suspected corruption cases in relation to training courses and working experience proof. The LD emphasised in a press release that it is highly concerned about suspected illegal acts involving the offer and acceptance of benefits to assist unqualified people in enrolling in training courses for Experienced Operators of Excavator. It pointed out that it has initiated an investigation to examine whether the training course providers and their staff have strictly complied with the approval conditions for operating Mandatory Safety Training courses. It will follow up seriously if violations are found, the LD stressed. In response to the ICAC’s actions, the LD announced the revocation of 100 certificates for excavator operators involved in the case. According to the Factories & Industrial Undertakings (Loadshifting Machinery) Regulation, people operating an excavator must have successfully completed the relevant safety training courses and obtained the corresponding certificates. The LD added that it is reviewing the admission mechanism for training course providers. With reference from the ICAC’s advice, it will also further enhance the mechanism, including improving current admission procedures and ensuring that training course providers strictly adhere to the approval conditions for operating the courses. Separately, regarding the ICAC’s arrest operation concerning the suspected forgery of working experience proof to apply for registration as Grade A electrical workers, the EMSD said that it launched an investigation in accordance with the Electricity Ordinance. After it was found that some registrants obtained their registration through improper means, the EMSD cancelled the registration of the Grade A electrical workers concerned. Furthermore, it made it clear that to register as a Grade A electrical worker, an applicant must possess relevant qualifications and working experience. Upon learning of this case, the EMSD specified that it has strengthened the vetting and approval procedures, including deploying officers to the issuing organisation’s office to carry out a check on each applicant’s working experience.
The Department of Justice announced today that Yang Ling will take up the appointment as Director of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Office with effect from November 1. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam welcomed Dr Yang’s appointment, which was made following an open recruitment exercise, noting that she is a recognised scholar in international legal and dispute resolution with extensive management experience, including her time at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. “She will be able to lead the office to take forward the policy initiatives of developing Hong Kong as a capacity-building centre for legal talent in domestic, foreign and international law," he added. The International Legal Talents Training Office has been set up to serve as the co-ordinating body to take forward the establishment of the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy set out in the 2023 Policy Address. The office will also serve as the secretariat for the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Expert Committee, which was formed by three advisory boards comprising eminent legal experts and scholars from renowned international, Mainland and local legal organisations, and universities as members. Capitalising on Hong Kong's bilingual common law system and international status, the academy will regularly organise training courses, seminars, international exchange programmes and more to promote exchanges among talent in regions along the Belt & Road. It will also provide training for talent in the practice of foreign-related legal affairs for the country, and nurture legal talent conversant with international law, common law, civil law and the country's legal system. Dr Yang was admitted to the Chinese Bar in 2004 and currently holds the position of Deputy Secretary-General and Head of China Relations of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC). Prior to joining the HKIAC in 2018, Dr Yang was Associate Professor at the East China University of Political Science & Law where she taught international arbitration. She was also a visiting scholar at the University of Aix-en-Provence Marseille III in 2008 and at Boston University School of Law in 2017.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan said today that Hong Kong people should have every confidence in the city’s legal system given that both serving overseas judges and others who have just left fully recognise the rule of law in the city.Mr Cheung also told reporters this morning that he fully recognises the contributions made by the overseas judges in Hong Kong.He added: “Several of them left, maybe for different reasons, some for personal reasons and some for other reasons that may not be disclosed.Mr Cheung iterated that he is certain that the Judiciary will continue to look for other outstanding judges in overseas jurisdictions.“I will say that we recognise their contributions. But, as you can see, many excellent common law jurisdictions in the world, they do not have such kind of mechanism.“The mechanism of overseas judges is a unique feature of our system, but it doesn't mean that if you do not have overseas judges, you do not have good rule of law, as you can see from the other examples of other jurisdictions all over the world.”He urged Hong Kong people to have confidence in the city’s rule of law.“We should recognise that there are very good remarks made by the other serving overseas judges in Hong Kong and overseas judges who just left; they fully recognise the rule of law in Hong Kong and we must have every confidence in our own rule of law, in our legal system.”
The Immigration Department (ImmD) tonight said three Hong Kong residents have been evacuated from Lebanon safely by vessel and flight arranged by our country. It said the evacuation was assisted by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the Republic of Lebanon. The ImmD added that it will continue to maintain close liaison with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Chinese Embassy to monitor the latest development in Lebanon. The Government raised the outbound travel alert for Lebanon to black on September 30. It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Lebanon. Those already there should attend to their personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. They should also pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there. They may call the 24-hour hotline of the ImmD’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit at (852) 1868, or contact the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon at its consular protection hotline (961) 3866468 for assistance.
The Security Bureau today held a parade and fun day at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy in Tseung Kwan O to celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China. The bureau's disciplined services and auxiliary services, together with youth uniformed groups, were involved in the event, in which members assembled to form patterns, including the number “75” and the national flag. The grand parade began with performances by bands from different disciplined services and auxiliary services. During a performance by the Police Band, members of the disciplined services and youth uniformed groups marched onto the parade ground, adopting the Chinese-style foot drill. This was followed by a flag-raising ceremony conducted by the Fire Services Department's flag party. It involved a rendition of the national anthem and a fly-past by Government Flying Service helicopters. The officiating guest, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, inspected the disciplined services ceremonial guard, as well as youth and uniformed groups. Addressing the ceremony, Mr Chan said there had been an enthusiastic response to the Government's call for diverse activities to be held across the territory to celebrate National Day, demonstrating the community's admiration and best wishes for the country. He added that the ceremonial activities showcased the solidarity of the disciplined services, auxiliary services and youth groups, and their determination to uphold the country’s dignity. He also urged young people to contribute to the country. Other performances included a music show by the Police Band; a foot drill demonstration by disciplined services personnel; lion and dragon dances and boxing performances by youth group members; and an appliance parade involving various disciplined services and auxiliary services. The bureau and eight disciplined services and auxiliary services also hosted exhibition and game booths to deepen public understanding of their daily operations.
Customs announced that it will launch a new 24-hour crime-reporting hotline 182 80 80 tomorrow to facilitate citizens to report crimes as a way to step up consumer protection work during the Mainland's National Golden Week period. Through this easy-to-remember number, members of the public may report crimes enforced by Customs, such as smuggling; manufacturing, trafficking or possession of dangerous drugs; infringing goods; duty-not-paid cigarettes, liquor or fuel; money laundering; goods or services with false trade descriptions; unfair trade practices; short-weight; and operating a currency exchange or remittance service without a licence. The current hotline will remain in place until further notice. Additionally, Customs will release a series of promotional videos to remind tourists to stay alert when shopping, and call the crime-reporting hotline immediately if they fall into consumer pitfalls of unfair trade practices. The videos will be posted on various social media platforms during the peak period of visitors amid the Mainland’s National Day Golden Week holiday. People may continue to report crimes via email, online crime-reporting form, crime-reporting mail, fax or post.
The Government today raised the outbound travel alert for Lebanon to black in view of the latest developments there. It advised Hong Kong residents to avoid all travel to Lebanon. Those already there should attend to personal safety and leave or relocate to relatively safe regions immediately. The Security Bureau will continue to closely monitor the situation in Lebanon and issue updates through the media, the bureau's mobile app and its outbound travel alert webpage. In addition to attending to personal safety, the bureau advised Hong Kong residents in Lebanon to pay attention to announcements made by local authorities and the Chinese Embassy there. They may call the 24-hour hotline of the Immigration Department’s Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit at (852) 1868, or contact the Chinese Embassy in Lebanon at its consular protection hotline (961) 3866468 for assistance.
Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung today reviewed the Fire & Ambulance Services Teen Connect (FAST Connect) Rally in Celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China. About 250 members of FAST Connect participated in the event aimed at strengthening the members’ sense of identity with, belonging to, and pride towards the country. During the rally held at the Fire & Ambulance Services Academy, the team members demonstrated team spirit through singing the national anthem and performing a Chinese-style foot drill. Guards of Honour of FAST Connect and the Fire Services Department (FSD) also jointly conducted a flag raising ceremony. Addressing the rally, Mr Tang stated that the Security Bureau and its disciplined forces attach great importance to fostering young people’s positive thinking, law-abiding awareness and team spirit to train up future leaders for the country and Hong Kong. Since the establishment of FAST Connect in 2021 by the FSD, its members have participated in a variety of exchange activities to better grasp the country’s latest developments and deepen their national identity. Today’s rally is a showcase of their fruitful training results, Mr Tang highlighted. He expressed hope that the members would keep in mind the FSD’s mission of “serving with courage, passion and commitment”, as well as upholding the spirit of dedication, resilience and determination. He also encouraged the members to diligently equip themselves to become participants in Hong Kong’s advancement from stability to prosperity. They should foster a strong sense of patriotism, contribute to “one country, two systems” and national rejuvenation, and be good storytellers of China who understand global trends well, the security chief advised.