Law requiring disclosure is violation of convention, says rights group
A law that requires political parties to make public their membership lists violated the protection of freedom of association under an international human rights convention, a rights group has warned.
Hong Kong Human Rights Monitor yesterday weighed into the debate over whether political parties -which are registered under the Companies Ordinance - should be subject to the same rules as companies.
This came as the Democratic Party met Solicitor-General Robert Allcock to clarify if the Companies Ordinance requirement to disclose the list was consistent with the protection of privacy and freedom of association.
Mr Allcock reportedly said the Department of Justice would study if there were any human rights implications. But he could not guarantee that the party would not be prosecuted for refusing to disclose membership under the present law, according to party vice-chairman Albert Ho Chun-yan.
The Democrats have refused to follow the example of other major parties in opening up their register after it was discovered that registration under the Companies Ordinance means the party has to reveal members' names.
Non-compliance could result in a $10,000 fine and $300 a day thereafter. The Democrats have vowed to file a court challenge if needed.
