Hong Kong’s Article 23 law: security chief takes aim at local newspaper for ‘misleading’ subheading on new amendment
- Ming Pao runs article with subheading claiming security law clause will allow media curbs, mainland jurisdiction for cases centred on four types of crimes
- ‘It is wrong. The Safeguarding National Security Bill does not mention the media in any of its provisions, nor does it target the media,’ security chief Chris Tang says
Hong Kong’s security chief has slammed a local Chinese-language newspaper for running a “misleading” and “vicious” article subheading on an amendment that authorities introduced to the city’s domestic national security bill.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung took aim at Ming Pao as he spoke before the Legislative Council’s bills committee on Thursday, as a marathon review process for the Safeguarding National Security Bill went into its seventh day.
The minister’s remarks focused on a subheading in the article which said: “[The amendment] covers strengthening media management, four types of crimes [that can see offenders] sent to the mainland.”
The paper has since issued an apology and correction concerning the subheading.
“It is false. It is incorrect. It is wrong. The Safeguarding National Security Bill does not mention the media in any of its provisions, nor does it target the media,” Tang said.
“All crimes under this local legislation are to be handled locally in Hong Kong.”