HK Officials Reject 'Groundless Accusations' on Security Law
Two Hong Kong officials have condemned “groundless accusations” against a recent update to the city’s homegrown national security law, which empowers the chief executive to certify any criminal case as a national security offence. Secretary for Security Chris Tang speaks at LegCo. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. Secretary for Security Chris Tang told the Legislative Council (LegCo) on Thursday afternoon that he noticed some people had misunderstood or “deliberately misinterpreted”
Hong Kong officials have strongly refuted claims that recent amendments to the city's national security legislation broaden its scope. Secretary for Security Chris Tang stated that certain interpretations of the new rules are "false, misleading, deceptive, and scaremongering," aimed at inciting public hatred. He asserted that the legislation does not grant arbitrary power to classify any act as a national security offense. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam echoed these sentiments, identifying "ulterior motives" and "foreign forces" behind what he termed "groundless accusations." Lam clarified that the update aims to define existing provisions, not introduce new powers or crimes. The legislation, which came into effect this week, allows the Chief Executive to certify cases as national security matters.
The controversy highlights ongoing international concerns regarding the scope and application of national security laws in Hong Kong and their potential impact on civil liberties.
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