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Hong Kong academics collaborating with foreign institutions ‘not affected by proposed interference offence’ in city’s coming Article 23 law
- Secretary for Justice Paul Lam says ‘exaggerated examples’ related to the external interference offence are causing unnecessary anxiety
- Lam also says authorities considering outlining conditions under which public interest can be invoked to protect against proposed state secrets crimes
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Hong Kong academics who collaborate with foreign institutions will not be affected by a proposed external interference offence expected under the city’s coming domestic national security law, officials have said, suggesting such “exaggerated examples” are causing unnecessary anxiety.
Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok on Saturday also said authorities were considering outlining the conditions under which the defence of acting in the public interest could be invoked by those accused of leaking state secrets, such as in cases involving emergencies or life-threatening situations.
The government last Tuesday released details of the proposed legislation that Hong Kong is required to enact under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. The legislation would sit alongside the national security law that Beijing imposed in 2020 following months of anti-government protests.
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Among the offences targeted in the new legislation is the use of improper means with an intent to bring about an interference in local affairs by collaborating with an external force.
The proposal also calls for outlawing collusion with an external force and knowingly publishing false or misleading information with the intent of endangering national security, both of which could amount to espionage.
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