"Apple" high-level arrested violates the national security law principle of no retrospective force? Tan Yaozong: Behavior is consistent

Political situation

Written by: Zhou Haoyi

2021-06-18 13:00

Last update date: 2021-06-18 13:00

The National Security Department of the police yesterday (17th) arrested five directors and senior officials of the Apple Daily on suspicion of violating the Minato National Security Act for "conspiracy to collude with foreign countries or foreign forces to endanger national security." .

Tan Yaozong, a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said that he believes that the police will act after obtaining sufficient evidence, emphasizing that Hong Kong values ​​press freedom, but the media, like ordinary citizens, need to abide by the laws of Hong Kong.

He also pointed out that the police have reminded the "Apple Daily" that its actions violated the "National Security Law", and its employees must also deal with it carefully to avoid drag.

I was asked whether the police used the Apple Daily article as evidence in 2019 and violated the principle of non-retroactivity in the National Security Law.

Tan Yaozong stated that the "National Security Law" has no retrospective effect in accordance with common law principles, but some actions continue after the "National Security Law" comes into force and are consistent.

Tan Yaozong believes that the police have sufficient evidence and their practices are fair and just.

(Photo by Ou Jiale)

Tan Yaozong said that the police visited the Next Media Building in August last year and did not take any special actions. After obtaining a court search warrant, the police took further action yesterday. He believed that the police had sufficient evidence and acted fairly and impartially.

He pointed out that Hong Kong values ​​freedom of the press, but communication agencies, like other citizens, must abide by the laws of Hong Kong. He also claims that the National Security Law has been implemented for nearly a year since it "operates without error." He does not believe that there is a problem of indiscriminate arrest and control.

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Tam Yaozong appeals to the public not to worry too much

When asked whether the operation of Apple Daily should be banned or prohibited, Tan Yaozong said that it should be handled by the police in accordance with the law.

As for whether the public will violate the National Security Act when buying the "Apple Daily", Tan believes that the police have professional judgment and will not use the National Security Act to prosecute casually, urging the public not to worry too much.

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