Hong Kong lawmakers raise concerns over scope of interference offence under proposed domestic security legislation
- Security chief seeks to dismiss fears quickly, suggesting only those who had intentions to interfere with affairs and used improper means might be held liable
- Justice minister also says sharing fake government documents might come under offences covering state secrets
Lawmakers on Sunday expressed concern the scope of “external interference” under Hong Kong’s draft domestic security law could hamper regular academic exchanges and business dealings, after officials said anyone working with a foreign organisation could be viewed as collaborating with an “external force”.
But the city’s security minister sought to dismiss such fears quickly, suggesting only those who had intentions to interfere with affairs and used improper means might be held liable.
The comments emerged as lawmakers continued to scrutinise the Safeguarding National Security Bill, vetting at least 73 out of 181 of the proposed legislation’s clauses after three straight days of meetings.
The marathon vetting process is expected to continue until Monday evening, with the Legislative Council’s welfare panel rescheduling a meeting to give lawmakers on the bills committee more time.
Part of the proposed legislation seeks to criminalise people who have the intention to interfere with government, court, legislative or electoral affairs by “improper means” through collaborating with external forces.
Offenders are liable to a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison.