The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Decided to Interpret the National Security Law Li Jiachao Welcomes: Consider Amending the Regulations on Legal Practitioners

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decided that the interpretation of Article 65 of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" involves Articles 14 and 47.

Chief Executive Lee Kar-chao issued a statement, welcoming and thanking the decision.

The Standing Committee of the National People's Congress voted to pass the draft interpretation of Articles 14 and 47 of the Hong Kong National Security Law.

(Screenshot of CCTV News Network Video)

Li Jiachao said that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress explained a few points:

1. According to Article 14, the National Security Council of Hong Kong has the right to make judgments and decisions on whether it involves national security issues, and its decisions have enforceable legal effects. The administrative, legislative, judicial and other institutions of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and any organization should respect and Implement the decisions of the National Security Council of Hong Kong.

2. When hearing national security cases, the courts of the Special Administrative Region encounter issues related to the determination of whether the relevant acts involve national security or whether the relevant evidence materials involve state secrets. The book is binding on the court.

3. The issue of "whether overseas lawyers who do not have the full qualifications of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region can serve as defenders or agents ad litem in cases of crimes endangering national security" is a matter that needs to be identified as stipulated in Article 47 of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" .

A certificate issued by the Chief Executive should be obtained.

If the SAR court fails to submit and obtain a certificate from the Chief Executive, the Hong Kong National Security Committee shall perform its duties in accordance with Article 14 of the "Hong Kong National Security Law" and make relevant judgments and regulations on such situations and issues.

Li Jiachao said that the Hong Kong National Security Committee and the SAR government will fully implement the responsibilities described in the content of the interpretation.

(File photo/Photo by Xia Jialang)

Li Jiachao said that the Hong Kong National Security Council and the SAR government will fully implement the responsibilities specified in the interpretation, especially the Hong Kong National Security Council's issue of whether "overseas lawyers who do not have full qualifications in Hong Kong to participate in national security cases" involves national security and Judgment and decision on what policy should be adopted.

The SAR government will implement the judgments and decisions made by the National Security Council of Hong Kong on relevant issues, and actively consider proposing amendments to the Legal Practitioners Ordinance.

National People's Congress Interpretation｜If you hire an overseas lawyer in a national security case, you need a certificate from the chief executive, otherwise the National Security Committee should intervene