Hong Kong security chief Chris Tang has criticized the London-based rights group Hong Kong Watch for its statement signed by 86 groups warning about the potential negative impact of the forthcoming security legislation on human rights in the city.
The upcoming legislation, known as Article 23, aims to criminalize treason, insurrection, theft of state secrets, and other national security offenses. The government argues that it is necessary to close loopholes in the existing 2020 National Security Law.
However, Hong Kong Watch and other organizations have expressed concerns that the bill’s definitions of these crimes are vague and could lead to the criminalization of peaceful exercise of human rights.
A joint statement signed by 86 organizations stated that the proposed law includes procedural changes that would undermine the due process and fair trial rights of the Hong Kong people.
The statement called on governments to oppose the law publicly and to sanction those responsible for its implementation, citing the devastating consequences it could have on human rights in the city.
Tang criticized Hong Kong Watch for what he described as “gangster tactics” and accused the groups of slander and intimidation. He dismissed their criticisms as misleading and aimed at disrupting Hong Kong, emphasizing that the new law is necessary to protect national security.
Tang dismissed the possibility of further sanctions on Hong Kong officials, stating that such actions would only reinforce the government’s commitment to national security. He likened the new law to installing doors and windows to prevent burglaries, emphasizing its importance in safeguarding the city.
He also addressed concerns raised by Radio Free Asia about the law’s impact on media organizations, dismissing them as false criticisms. Tang asserted that only those deliberately slandering the government would be affected by the law.
Tang expressed confidence in the public’s support for the Article 23 legislation and reassured that media organizations would not be targeted unfairly under the law. Chief Executive John Lee affirmed the government’s commitment to passing the new law swiftly.
“Our work on legislation under Article 23 of the Basic Law will be advanced at full speed,” Lee stated, emphasizing the government’s determination to uphold national security while fulfilling its constitutional responsibilities.
Translated by Luisetta Mudie. Edited by Malcolm Foster.
