Advertisement
Hong Kong’s Article 23 bill: day 5 of discussion centres on absconders, court procedures and protection against doxxing, harassment
- Security chief Chris Tang gives first indication of possible amendments, with suggested plan to scrap six-month waiting period to label absconders
- Lawmakers also discuss changes to court procedures and efforts to protect national security personnel against doxxing, as bills committee discussion wraps up fifth day
3-MIN READ3-MIN
13
Hong Kong lawmakers discussing a coming domestic national security law turned their attention on Tuesday to proposed sanctions on absconders, changes in court procedures and efforts to protect specific personnel against doxxing and harassment.
For the first time since the bill was introduced to the legislature last Friday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung signalled clearly that the government was “actively” considering amendments, such as removing a six-month waiting period after the issuance of a court warrant before a suspect could be deemed an absconder.
At least 126 out of 181, or about 70 per cent, of the bill’s clauses have been vetted in 36 hours of meetings held since last Friday.
Advertisement
The committee has reached the last clause of the main ordinance of the bill, which Hong Kong is required to legislate under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. The remainder of the bill is concerned with supplementary amendments to existing laws.
The Post is following the debate. Here is the coverage from Saturday last week, as well as Sunday and Monday.
March 12
Advertisement
Select Voice
Select Speed
1.00x