You are here
RSS list
2024
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and firmly rejected the groundless attacks, slanders and smears against various aspects of the Hong Kong SAR in the so-called report issued by the US-China Economic & Security Review Commission (USCC). In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly disapproves of and firmly rejects USCC's wanton manoeuvre with politics prevailing over law-based administration and interference in the affairs of Hong Kong in the so-called report. It stressed that it will continue to prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities endangering national security. At the same time, it stated that it will press on with safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by its people in accordance with the law. Once again, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges individual US politicians to discern facts from fallacies, respect the international law and basic norms governing international relations, and immediately stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China's internal affairs, it added. Regarding the laws safeguarding national security, the statement said that all countries in the world are duty bound to safeguard their national security, and the Hong Kong SAR as an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China is no exception. “The Hong Kong SAR Government will not fear any hegemonism and intimidation by external forces and firmly rejects their interference in the affairs of Hong Kong.” The statement noted that since the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in June 2020, the US has deliberately turned a blind eye to the large-scale and incessant riots which occurred in 2019 and devastated the society, livelihood and economy of the city. The US has also deliberately neglected that the implementation of the national security law has enabled the livelihood and economic activities of the Hong Kong community, as well the business environment, to return to normalcy. People living, and businesses operating, in Hong Kong have experienced the major transition from chaos to order herein, it added. With the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance taking effect upon gazettal on March 23, the statement noted that the legal system and enforcement mechanisms of the Hong Kong SAR for safeguarding national security have been further improved. “The Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance are compatible and complementary, jointly establishing a comprehensive and effective legal system for safeguarding national security and ensuring the effective protection of national security, building a strong line of defence to maintain security and stability in Hong Kong, as well as providing solid institutional safeguards to promote good governance.” The Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly define the elements of relevant offences, penalties, exceptions and defences. Such laws actively prevent, suppress and punish acts and activities endangering national security, in accordance with the principle of the rule of law. They target an extremely small minority of people and organisations that pose a threat to national security, while protecting the lives and property of the general public international commercial and investment activities can only thrive where a stable society and the rule of law are guaranteed. As for the administration of justice and rule of law, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that all cases are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law, and all defendants will receive a fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The statement made it clear that any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in Hong Kong by means of political power in order to procure a defendant's evasion of the criminal justice process is a blatant act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned. The Department of Justice, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, makes independent prosecutorial decisions in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Prosecutions would be instituted by the department only if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction, and if it is in the public interest to do so. Meanwhile, the Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. The courts, on the other hand, decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws, and cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court. In respect of Hong Kong SAR Government officials, judges and prosecutors who dutifully discharge their duties, the statement elucidated that any rowdy attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in Hong Kong by means of political power, threatening to include them in a so-called list of sanctions, is a reprehensible act undermining the city’s rule of law. “The purpose of these acts is obviously to intimidate the Hong Kong SAR Government officials, judges and prosecutors, especially judges, in an attempt to influence their fair and just hearings and verdicts and obstruct the course of justice. “Making any 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. Officials in the HKSAR Government will not be intimidated and will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security." The statement reiterated that under the “one country, two systems” principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world. With the unparalleled connectivity to the Mainland and the rest of the world, it will continue to play its unique role as “super-connector” and “super value-adder”, it added. “Hong Kong will continue to leverage its strengths to enhance its role as international financial, maritime and trade centres, among others, whilst proactively integrating into the overall development of our nation, including the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development, the high-quality development of the Belt & Road Initiative, etc. “The Hong Kong SAR Government will create strong impetus for growth at full steam and proactively compete for enterprises and talents to strengthen the city's competitiveness.”
A stress test will be held at the Kai Tak Sports Park on Saturday, involving around 5,000 participants, to assess the venue's maximum capacity, Police announced today.This follows two previous test events held earlier this month and in October which had free seating, while this test will use designated seating. The test will take place at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground at 3.30pm and end at around 8.45pm, covering three components - spectators’ entry at 3.30pm, the first departure at around 5pm and the second departure at around 7.30pm. Police Sau Mau Ping District Commander Kit Tse told a press conference this morning that different scenarios have been added to the test. “This time we are going to increase the capacity to 5,000 people, which is the maximum capacity of the venue. Secondly, there will be designated seating for those ticket holders. “And thirdly, we will introduce some scenarios of beat incidents into this exercise, so as to test the trust, the communication and co-operation among different departments.” Reporters will also have the opportunity to visit the venue for an idea of what to expect during the test. “We will organise a guided tour for our media, so that (they) can have a better reporting (experience) and the public will know more about what we are doing. For every (crowd) dispersal, to make it smooth and orderly, we need the co-operation of the public.” As with the preceding test, security screening will be required for access into the venue. Additionally, special arrangements will be implemented at MTR Kai Tak and Sung Wong Toi Stations on the day, with one-way passenger flow at specific entrances and exits. MTR staff will also be deployed at the two stations to offer assistance, while on-site broadcasts will provide updated service information.
The level of sentencing delivered by the Court of First Instance on a conspiracy to commit subversion case reflects the severity of the offences, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung said today. The court’s verdict given earlier this year, involving 45 convicted individuals, pointed out that the ultimate aim and purpose of the so-called “Project 35+” had been very clear and made known to the public, ie to undermine, destroy or overthrow the existing political system and structure of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region established under the Basic Law and the “one country, two systems” principle. The offenders were sentenced to up to 10 years' imprisonment, as handed down by the court today. At a media session this afternoon, Mr Tang said: “We will look into individual cases to see if there is any need for us to review the case.” For those who were implicated or previously arrested and not charged, he added that: “For every case, if we have sufficient evidence, we will arrest and we will prosecute them.”
The 42nd Asian & Pacific Conference of Correctional Administrators (APCCA) hosted by the Correctional Services Department opened today, with about 140 correctional chiefs and representatives from 29 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, as well as representatives of professional organisations attending. The conference aims to enable participants to exchange views on correctional services and consolidate and foster regional co-operation. Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung and Commissioner of Correctional Services Wong Kwok-hing officiated at the conference's opening ceremony. In his opening speech, Mr Cheuk said the theme of this year's conference, “Collaboration for Sustainable & High-quality Development”, highlights the determination of correctional officers from various places to advance and deepen regional co-operation, with a view to achieving high-quality development in the field of correction. He noted that the department has achieved remarkable results in the application of innovation and technology in smart prison development and the implementation of diversified rehabilitation programmes. During the conference, the department will share its experiences and exchange views with counterparts from various places to promote and strengthen regional collaboration, thereby jointly enhancing the effectiveness of correctional work. Mr Wong supplemented that collaboration is a key element in the development of sustainable and high-quality development, adding that the conference provides an important platform for correctional practitioners from different places to exchange views and share valuable experiences, and to enhance co-operation among members. The agenda of the conference, which runs until Thursday, includes participants visiting correctional institutions in Hong Kong to gain a better understanding of the unique advantages and latest developments of the city's correctional system, such as the development of smart prison projects and diversified rehabilitation programmes. The APCCA is held annually and provides a platform for organisations and representatives engaged in correctional and prison work in the Asia-Pacific region to foster professional exchanges and co-operation.
Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan today attended the sixth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Legal Departments Joint Conference in Zhongshan. He met representatives from the legal departments of Guangdong and Macau to promote the flow of legal talent among the three places, take forward the interface of regulatory frameworks and the establishment of a diversified dispute resolution mechanism in the GBA to provide legal support for the development of a world-class bay area. The joint conference was hosted by Department of Justice of Guangdong Province Director-General Chen Xudong and attended by Secretary for Administration & Justice of the Macao Special Administrative Region Government Cheong Weng Chon, and other representatives. The Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government said the conference made good progress in the area of "soft connectivity" of talent. On the interface of mediation professionals, the department noted that the three parties agreed to complete the work on the GBA mediators' accreditation as soon as possible and submit the proposed list of GBA mediators to the joint conference for confirmation, with a view to jointly announcing a consolidated panel of GBA mediators within this year. Mr Cheung thanked the Guangdong and Macau authorities for their strong support for the first GBA Mediator Training Course of Hong Kong held earlier by the department, as well as their assistance in arranging mediation experts to share in the course their practical experiences, enhancing Hong Kong mediators' understanding of the mediation systems in Guangdong and Macau. On the interface of arbitration professionals, the department said Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macau have considered and endorsed the Working Guidelines on the Panel of GBA Arbitrators, and reached a consensus on the detailed arrangements for the mechanism of setting up a panel of arbitrators. The three places will commence their respective nominations of local arbitrators and selection procedures next year, endeavouring to announce the first batch of GBA arbitrators within 2025. Mr Cheung said the announcement of a consolidated panel of GBA mediators and endorsement of the Working Guidelines on the Panel of GBA Arbitrators are both important deliverables achieved by the three places in jointly taking forward the interfaces of regulatory frameworks and talent in the GBA, thereby facilitating the “soft connectivity” of the non-litigation dispute resolution mechanism in the bay area. Regarding the practice of GBA lawyers, Mr Cheung reflected at the meeting that the Hong Kong legal sector looks forward to participating in more practical training and exploring further expansion of the scope of practice of GBA lawyers. He pointed out that the department is positively responding to the sector’s suggestions and will strive to establish a dedicated platform for GBA lawyers as soon as possible. The department will also continue to support the sector in deepening professional co-operation with Guangdong and Macau counterparts and to support the sustainable development of GBA lawyers, contributing to the construction of foreign-related rule of law of the country, he added. On nurturing talent, Mr Cheung said the Hong Kong International Legal Talents Training Academy, formally launched in early November, will proactively start capacity-building programmes and conduct training projects, in addition to co-ordinating and collaborating with relevant ministries and institutions in the GBA to nurture legal talent.
The first batch of around 120 district tutors under the National Security Education District Tutor Training Scheme pledged at the scheme’s launch ceremony today, to promote national security in the community and fully assist the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in fulfilling its constitutional responsibility to safeguard national security. Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing said national security is the fundamental prerequisite for every country's survival and development, adding that the top principle of “one country, two systems” is to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. He highlighted that the scheme aims to radiate outward national security education widely and effectively by district tutors. Also officiating at the ceremony, Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung expressed hope that district tutors would leverage their networks to publicise and promote law-abiding awareness, national awareness, a sense of national security and positive thinking in the community. Mr Tang said this would thereby enhance citizens' ability to think critically and not be misled by soft resistance rhetoric or behaviour, ultimately fostering a safe and stable social environment. Meanwhile, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak noted that district tutors can deeply engage with different community groups and convey national security messages in a lively and engaging manner, helping people understand the importance of respecting and safeguarding national security, promoting a conscious effort to safeguard it among all citizens. District Offices have begun inviting district council members, district organisations and groups across the city to enroll in the scheme. It is expected that by 2025, at least 2,600 district tutors will be trained. Given that each tutor will disseminate national security messages to at least 30 people within a year, it is anticipated that over 78,000 people will receive messages about safeguarding national security. Conducted by experienced educators, the course under the scheme runs about four hours in total, including interactive classroom learning and visits to the National Security Exhibition Gallery.
Earlier this month, hundreds of students of a primary school in Tin Shui Wai enjoyed an entertaining performance by a local drama troupe in the school hall. However, it was no ordinary play. It carried a significant message beneath the lightheartedness, as it was a production by the Intellectual Property Department. Interactive dramaThe play tells the story of the main character who steals his father's design and participates in the school's sportswear design competition. As a result, his father's company falls into crisis. This interactive drama workshop aims to raise awareness about the consequences of Internet infringement and promote respect for creativity, originality, and intellectual property (IP) rights among such students. Actors engaged with the audience by asking students how they would respond to the scenario presented to them. Some students believed that learning about IP through interactive dramas is more enjoyable than traditional classroom discussions. Creative engagement Primary 6 student Kuromi Cheung said she learnt a lot about the importance of respecting IP rights online. “The show used fun ways to tell us how our everyday actions can impact creators and the value of creativity.” Primary 6 student Hasan Cheung described the show as being very interesting and hilarious. “I learnt a lot about IP knowledge,” he added. In addition to primary schools, the department also collaborated with another theatre group to produce an interactive drama targeting secondary school students. Public awarenessAssistant Director of Intellectual Property (Advisory) Derek Lau said in terms of education and promotion, the department will promote IP awareness to students through activities, like interactive drama performances and school talks. “Due to the enthusiastic response from schools, we have completed our goal of reaching over 100,000 students during this government term. “The 2024 Policy Address has announced that we will continue to promote IP awareness to 200,000 students, doubling our original target. “We hope to reinforce awareness of respecting and protecting IP rights, through lively and engaging ways, and encourage students to actively explore and innovate.” IP-related training Additionally, the department has been organising and sponsoring training courses on IP-related subjects to cater for the needs of small and medium enterprises, startups, business chambers, etc. With a target of providing IP training for 5,000 personnel across different industries within the current term of the Government, the department seeks to help them seize the opportunities brought by IP trading.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today strongly disapproved of and rejected the recent biased and misleading remarks made by some foreign governments, politicians, officials and the media on the city’s work in safeguarding national security and Lai Chee-ying’s case. It urged that foreign individuals and entities should respect Hong Kong’s judicial system, and should not interfere with trials in Hong Kong. Any attempt to interfere with the city’s judicial proceedings by means of political power, in order to procure a defendant’s evasion of the criminal justice process, is a blatant act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong, it said in a press statement. It is an international practice to enact legislation to safeguard national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government stressed. It explained that the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR. Additionally, the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law, the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights, including freedom of speech and of the press, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Moreover, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out that Hong Kong has always welcomed normal business exchanges, economic activities and people-to-people exchanges with different economies. It noted that as one of the most open economies in the world, Hong Kong firmly supports free and open trade, and a multilateral trading system. Hong Kong will continue to exchange views with different governments and organisations under the principles of mutual respect and equality, facilitate co-operation, and promote Hong Kong’s distinctive advantage of enjoying the strong support of the motherland and being closely connected to the world under “one country, two systems”, the Hong Kong SAR Government added.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today condemned the so-called “Lai Chee-ying’s overseas international legal team” for once again spreading misinformation and making smearing remarks about the inmate’s custodial arrangements and his case involving the National Security Law. In a press statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said it noticed the “international legal team” has repeatedly distorted the truth, blatantly discredited the judicial system and trials of Hong Kong, and fabricated information about the treatment provided to Lai Chee-ying during his custody. Such behaviour is completely contrary to the professional ethics that legal practitioners should uphold, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out. It explained the situation, stating that, in fact, Lai Chee-ying’s side has publicly clarified that he has never given instructions to the “international legal team” to act on his behalf, which shows that the credibility of the legal team has long been in doubt. Meanwhile, Lai Chee-ying’s actual legal representative recently clarified that his client is receiving appropriate treatment and care in prison. The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it is shocking that the “international legal team” continued to deliberately publish false information, mislead the United Nations (UN) and abuse its mechanisms. It also elucidated that the Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to ensuring that the custodial environment is secure, safe, humane, appropriate and healthy, and has put in place a mechanism to ensure that the rights of persons-in-custody (PICs) are protected. In the same way as other PICs, the CSD adopts the above arrangements when handling matters related to inmate Lai Chee-ying, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised. It further stressed that the removal of Lai Chee-ying from association with other PICs has been made at his own request and approved by the CSD after considering all the relevant factors in accordance with the law. The unfounded remarks by “Lai Chee-ying’s international legal team” and other anti-China forces regarding Lai Chee-ying’s solitary confinement are completely fact-twisting, and are merely a despicable political manoeuvre with malicious intention to smear and attack the Hong Kong SAR Government, it pointed out. Separately, the Hong Kong SAR Government stated that it opposes the groundless criticism and conclusion against the Hong Kong SAR by the relevant UN working group based on false and misleading accusations. As such, it urged the working group to perform its duties in a fair and objective manner while respecting the Hong Kong SAR’s independent judicial power, in order to prevent any abuse of UN mechanisms, as well as contradiction to the spirit of the Charter of the United Nations based on the principles of sovereign equality and non-interference. The Hong Kong SAR Government underlined that it will never tolerate and strongly deplores any form of interference by any foreign power or individual with the judicial proceedings and internal affairs of the Hong Kong SAR.
An international rugby match will be held on November 16 as another test event for the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP), the Government announced today. The match between Hong Kong, China and Brazil will start at 4pm at the Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground, a ticketed and paid event with around 3,000 spectators. While unveiling the preparatory work for the upcoming test event at the KTSP, Commissioner for Sports George Tsoi highlighted that no tickets will be available for sale on site for this rugby match and that people who are interested in it should purchase tickets beforehand. As for traffic advice for reaching the venue, Mr Tsoi said that similar to the advice for the first test event held in October, the spectators should travel via the Mass Transit Railway. “We encourage spectators to use MTR services, Sung Wong Toi Station to get to the venue. No parking space will be provided. “The nearest drop off point for taxis and private cars will be located outside Kai Tak Sports Park. We thus encourage spectators to use MTR services.” The sports commissioner also explained that the spectators will have to undergo security screening before they are allowed to go inside. “Security screening and a bag search will be required for access into the venue. Please allow more time and arrive at the venue early before the start of the match.” The Government will work closely with transport operators and Kai Tak Sports Park to ensure that spectators will have a smooth arrival and dispersal experience, as well as throughout their stay at the venue, he added.