The National Security Department of the Police earlier arrested two administrators of the social platform group "Civil Service Secrets" on suspicion of "acting with seditious intent". A hostile post with seditious intent.
The Secretary for Security, Tang Bing-keung, said on a commercial TV program today (14th) that if you simply criticize the government and express opinions, there is a legal defense, and the general public will not fall into the legal net by mistake. Incitement, the Legal Department will also examine the evidence, not "just tell".
The Hong Kong government will fully cooperate with national countermeasures
Deng Bingqiang first reiterated at the beginning of the program that US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's recent visit to Taiwan is a blatant challenge to the "one country, two systems" principle, the integrity of China's national sovereignty, and endangers peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. The SAR government will fully support and cooperate with the central government's countermeasures. Hong Kong people also need to understand the potential risks to national security from external forces.
He pointed out that if someone endangers national security, regardless of nationality, identity and status, the government will strictly enforce the law, emphasizing that Beijing hopes to develop peacefully with other countries, not a "zero-sum game", and will not target anyone in safeguarding national security .
Regarding the arrest of the administrator of the social platform, he believes that if he just criticizes the government or proposes to improve its practices, there is no problem at all, and the law has a defense. illegal.
He pointed out that the Department of Justice will examine relevant evidence when prosecuting, and then hand it over to the court for judgment, emphasizing that it will be carried out in the sun.
When asked about the "chilling effect" that may be caused by the law enforcement and the prosecution process itself, which has a sound-silencing effect, Deng Bingqiang pointed out that the prosecution is not a unilateral matter of the police: "My colleagues in the Legal Department will examine the evidence, including whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction, it is not an accusation. I'll sue." Ordinary citizens don't have to worry about falling into the legal net by mistake.
Deng Bingqiang added when meeting reporters after the program that freedom of speech is guaranteed by the Basic Law and other laws and regulations. Inciting information, inciting hatred of the SAR government, and using violence." The relevant principles have been clearly discussed by the court in the "Tan Dezhi case".
Tang Bingqiang reiterated that the legislation of Article 23 of the Basic Law is a constitutional responsibility and will be done as soon as possible.
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Says that most of those serving prison sentences for protests regret it
Deng Bingqiang also mentioned that young people in Hong Kong have experienced the influence of external forces for more than 20 years. They have received very one-sided information and do not understand the country's development. They need to understand the country's poverty eradication and technological progress, so as to further strengthen young people's sense of identity and pride as Chinese .
He pointed out that there are currently hundreds of people involved in the 2019 anti-amendment protests and are serving prison sentences. The overall background is younger and the education level is higher. However, most of them regret their actions at the time and understand that they were incited. The Correctional Services Department will later Rehabilitation work will be done well, including assisting inmates in developing positive thinking and providing academic assistance. There are many cases in which the inmates successfully continue their studies after serving their sentences, and their credits from the original institutions can be recognized.
Regarding the legislative work related to Article 23 of the Basic Law, Deng Bingqiang said that he will do it as soon as possible, and he will also refer to things in some other countries and regions, but did not disclose the specific timetable.
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