HKFP reports
Hong Kong’s security minister has hailed the 100 per cent conviction rate in cases concerning national security, while the chief of public prosecutions said upholding justice was “in the DNA” of local prosecutors.
Government officials and some legal professionals threw their weight behind the national security law on Thursday, when government-funded broadcaster RTHK launched a new programme about the Beijing-enacted legislation a little over two months before its third anniversary.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang praised the arrest and prosecution work over the past three years, saying it was done “very seriously.” He said around 250 people were detained over national security offences and 151 of them had been charged as of the end of last month.
“All 71 people who have gone through judicial proceedings were convicted. Only a small number of people in Hong Kong were involved,” the former police chief said.
Asked if members of the public were “overly worried” when the law was first rolled out, Tang said the provisions in the Beijing-imposed legislation were “very clear” and ordinary citizens would not “accidentally breach the law.”
Tang’s remarks came as RTHK launched the NSL Chronicles II, a radio and television programme which examines actual national security cases including the landmark trial of Tong Ying-kit, the case of Returning Valiant and others.
In June 2020, Beijing inserted national security legislation directly into Hong Kong’s mini-constitution – bypassing the local legislature – following a year of pro-democracy protests and unrest. It criminalised subversion, secession, collusion with foreign forces and terrorist acts, which were broadly defined to include disruption to transport and other infrastructure. The move gave police sweeping new powers, alarming democrats, civil society groups and trade partners, as such laws have been used broadly to silence and punish dissidents in China. However, the authorities say it has restored stability and peace to the city.
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Hong Kong security chief hails 100% conviction rate in national security cases
