Current location:Cultural Crossings news portal > politics
Consultation of legislation on Article 23 begins
Cultural Crossings news portal2024-05-21 20:14:35【politics】5People have gathered around
IntroductionHong Kong will enact a new national security ordinance to address risks, Chief Executive John Lee Ka
Hong Kong will enact a new national security ordinance to address risks, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu announced at a news conference on Tuesday, the same day that the city begins a monthlong public consultation on Article 23 of the Basic Law.
The public consultation on the ordinance, proposed to be titled "Safeguarding National Security Ordinance", will end on Feb 28.
Lee said enacting Article 23 is a constitutional duty of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, which has remained unfulfilled since the city's return to the motherland.
Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law requires the SAR to enact laws to prohibit seven categories of acts that endanger national security, including treason, sedition, subversion and theft of State secrets.
Two of the crimes — secession and subversion — are already covered by the National Security Law for Hong Kong, which took effect in 2020, prohibiting four types of acts, including terrorist activities and collusion with a foreign country or external elements to endanger national security.
After the social unrest in 2019, the importance of national security has become evident. Given the volatile international situation and increasing geopolitical complexity, it is crucial to address Hong Kong's national security shortcomings as soon as possible, Lee said.
Lee said the legislative principle of Article 23 is rooted in the "one country, two systems" principle, focusing on safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.
Simultaneously, the law will uphold human rights, respecting and protecting residents' freedoms within the boundaries of the law, he added.
According to the public consultation paper, the ordinance will introduce several new offenses, including insurrection, sabotage activities that endanger national security, doing an act in relation to a computer or electronic system without lawful authority, and endangering national security with external interference.
The improvements include offenses such as those relating to the protection of State secrets.
The document also lists national security laws from foreign countries for public reference.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok and Secretary for Security Tang Ping-keung will lead the explanation work, with other government departments working in coordination as well.
Thematic briefings will be held, not only for Hong Kong residents but also for foreign consulates and chambers of commerce.
Welcoming suggestions from the public, Lee emphasized that the government will ensure people understand that the ongoing legislative work will bring safety, stability and a favorable business environment to Hong Kong, benefiting both locals and those overseas that deal with Hong Kong.
Lam said the legislation should establish mechanisms for effectively implementing and enforcing both the National Security Law and Article 23. This includes enhancing law enforcement powers and improving litigation procedures.
Several lawmakers, legal experts, business leaders and political and social groups, have expressed their anticipation for the timely completion of the legislation of Article 23 and thus to uphold the city's long-term prosperity and stability.
Maria Tam Wai-chu, a former deputy director of Hong Kong's Basic Law Committee, highlighted the persisting national security risks despite the enactment of the National Security Law, saying thereby the government must introduce more comprehensive laws and enforcement methods to safeguard social order, ensure the safety of residents and facilitate economic development.
A joint statement issued by all non-official members of the Executive Council said that to effectively prevent risks and threats to national security, the government should seize the opportunity to legislate Article 23 as soon as possible.
Address of this article:http://qatar.antjekoch.com/article-56b399866.html
Very good!(2)
Related articles
- Socialite Jasmine Hartin enjoys beach snuggle with electrician hunk
- Junior of Revolutionaries Inherits, Promotes Family's 'Red Gene'
- Raptor Rescuer Keeps Birds of Prey Under Her Wing
- Pluck and Moxie! Trailblazer Dedicated to Saving Lives During Emergencies
- Student fatally shot, suspect detained at Georgia's Kennesaw State University
- Striving for a Better Future
- Passionate Dream Chaser — Teacher Strives to Improve China's Rural Education
- Profile: Olympic Champion Xu Mengtao, Her Triumphs in and Beyond Freestyle Skiing Aerials
- Shohei Ohtani's first walk
- Top diplomats meet in Paris to mobilize aid for Sudan, wrecked by war and on the brink of famine
Popular articles
Recommended
Ricky Stenhouse punching Kyle Busch could lead to suspension
10 Outstanding Women Honored as National March 8th Red
Zheng Zhenxiang: A Life Dedicated to Archeology
Chinese Woman Reaches Peak of Neuroscience Research
Biden says Brown v. Board of Education ruling was about more than education
Artisan Brings Traditional Paper Cutting Art New Lease of Life
Inheriting Craft Helps Woman Promote Hometown's Revitalization
Book Restorers Touch History
Links
- China slams Eswatini PM for visiting Taiwan
- Xi calls on Hunan to write its chapter in advancing Chinese modernization
- Attack on Iranian consulate in Syria condemned
- Beijing slams Washington on illegal claims of demarcation of seabed
- China, Dominica to boost ties
- China urges Israel to implement UN resolution on Gaza ceasefire
- Xi calls for more China
- Forum: Democracy takes many forms
- Xi calls for more China
- Xi calls for steps to energize central region