The Secretary for Security, Tang Ping-keung, published an article today (18th), pointing out that the government is carrying out work related to the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, and any country needs legislation to protect national security.
He cited the British government's recent bill to Parliament, saying that many of their proposals involved restricting civil rights, and called on all walks of life, especially foreign politicians, not to treat Hong Kong with double standards.
Criticize the United States and Western countries to demonize 23 pieces of legislation and warn against double standards
Deng Bingqiang pointed out that maintaining national security is the right and duty of every country, and it is an international practice to formulate laws to safeguard national security: "Nevertheless, the United States and Western countries have been deliberately slandering and making false statements regarding the formulation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. accusations and 'demonize' Article 23 of the Basic Law, but in fact they all enact laws to safeguard national security and make legal amendments from time to time."
He noted that the UK Home Secretary had just presented a broad National Security Bill to the UK Parliament, specifically mentioning espionage, foreign interference in the political system, sabotage, publishing false information, National security risks such as cyber operations also indicate that relevant legislation must "go ahead of relevant risks".
For example, the 23 articles of the Entry Bill restricting citizenship must be forward-looking
Tang Bingqiang pointed out that the UK's "National Security Act" includes a series of new crimes covering a very wide range and a number of measures to restrict the rights of citizens.
Most of the crimes proposed in the bill have extraterritorial effects, regardless of the nationality of the perpetrator or the location of the criminal organization. The proposed crimes and measures include: reforming the laws on "espionage"; introducing new "sabotage" and "foreign interference" crime; strengthening the investigative powers of the UK police, including the use of search powers in emergencies without prior court authorisation, arresting suspects for up to 14 days without charge; limiting access to civil legal aid for convicted terrorists; authorisation The Home Secretary has reasonable grounds to believe that individuals involved in threatening activities by foreign powers impose targeted "national threat prevention and investigation measures", etc.
Deng Bingqiang said that the SAR government has been carrying out the work related to the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, fulfilling the SAR's constitutional responsibilities and improving the laws for safeguarding national security. In addition to effectively responding to past and present national security risks and threats, legislative proposals It must also be forward-looking enough, and it must be practical and feasible in terms of implementation, and can effectively safeguard national security.
In addition to researching relevant national and local laws, the government will also refer to similar laws in other jurisdictions: "When the SAR Government conducts consultation on the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law, I hope that all sectors (especially foreign countries) Politicians) can look at our proposal objectively and rationally, and cannot turn a deaf ear to the fact that the U.S. and Western countries maintain national security laws covering a wide range, and do not make wanton attacks on 'double standards' or try to interfere or sabotage the SAR government's legislative work."
Article 23 Legislation︱The consultation period was postponed due to the epidemic Deng Bingqiang: During the process, it was found that the nature was complicated and it was not easy to make Article 23 legislation｜Deng Bingqiang is expected to submit preliminary proposals in June. Xiao Zeyi admits that there are challenges in recruiting police officers
