HKSAR Government strongly opposes resolution of European Parliament
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The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (April 25) strongly opposed the so-called resolution adopted by the European Parliament against Hong Kong, and strongly condemned the Parliament for making baseless allegations about Hong Kong and smearing the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (the Ordinance), so as to set the record straight.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, “It is the constitutional duty of the HKSAR to safeguard national security. In accordance with international law and international practice based on the Charter of the United Nations, safeguarding national security is an inherent right of all sovereign states. Many common law jurisdictions, including western countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as well as Singapore, have enacted multiple pieces of legislation to safeguard national security. Turning a blind eye to the fact and making exaggerated remarks, the Parliament has demonstrated typical political hegemony and hypocrisy with double standards.”
“The NSL and the Ordinance clearly specify that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Basic Law, as well as the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, are to be protected in accordance with the law. The European Parliament neglected the relevant provisions and lashed out wantonly, fully exposing its malicious intentions.”
“The offences endangering national security stipulated by the Ordinance target acts endangering national security with precision, and define the elements and penalties of the offences with clarity. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant had the actus reus and mens rea of an offence before the defendant may be convicted by the court. The Ordinance will not affect normal business operations and normal worldwide exchanges of local institutions, organisations and individuals. Law-abiding persons (including personnel, organisations and enterprises from the European Union and its member states) will not engage in acts and activities endangering our national security and will not unwittingly violate the law.”
“Extraterritorial effect for the offences endangering national security under the NSL and the Ordinance fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. It can be seen that the national security laws of various countries, including the member states of the European Union, also have extraterritorial effect under the ‘personality principle’ and the ‘protective principle’. In formulating the extraterritorial effect under the Ordinance, we have already taken into account the principles of international law and international practice of state jurisdiction, as well as the nature of the offences,” the spokesman emphasised.
“It is clear that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, so the implementation of the NSL and the Ordinance should be free from any form of intervention. As a matter of fact, during the public consultation of the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, 98.6 per cent of the submissions of opinions showed support and gave positive comments, reflecting a strong consensus in society for the legislation, and it is also the aspiration of the people. The European Parliament blatantly clamoured for so-called ‘sanctions’ against HKSAR personnel who dutifully safeguard national security. The HKSAR Government strongly condemns its political grandstanding rife with ill intentions, which have been seen through by all.”
“As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. We emphasised that all cases (including the relevant case) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the NSL) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights,” the spokesman also pointed out.
“Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power or media or any other means, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of the HKSAR.”
“Following the successful enactment of the Ordinance, the shortcomings in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for the HKSAR to safeguard national security are addressed. We must once again emphasise that the Ordinance is a piece of legislation to defend against external forces that endanger our national security, acting like a sturdier door and a more effective door lock to defend our home. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the European Parliament to stop smearing and interfering in Hong Kong affairs which are internal affairs of China and ensure that their remarks concerning the NSL and the Ordinance are fair and just, and stop making scaremongering remarks,” the spokesman reiterated.
Apr 26, 2024 | International
Appeal for information on missing woman in Tuen Mun (with photos)
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Police today (April 25) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Tuen Mun.
Tang Oi-yee, aged 57, went missing after she left her residence in Tsz Tin Tsuen yesterday afternoon (April 24). Her family made a report to Police on the same day.
She is about 1.5 metres tall, 41 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a pointed face with yellow complexion and short straight black hair. She was last seen wearing black glasses, a black mask, a black jacket, blue jeans, black sports shoes and carrying a black bag.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
Apr 26, 2024 | International
EPD’s response to media enquiries
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In response to media enquiries on how the regulation of disposable plastic tableware is applied to the provision of food in supermarkets and food courts, the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) today (April 25) gave the following response:
Some business premises mainly focusing on retail (e.g. supermarkets, department stores) also sell pre-packaged food for immediate consumption (e.g. boxed sushi, sandwiches). The relevant products are placed on the shelves for customers to choose, and also for facilitating customers to take them away from the premises. This business model is considered as takeaway and therefore plastic cups and plastic food containers can be used. Where the customers consume the product is not relevant.
The mode of operation of food courts in shopping malls/large department stores is different. Food stalls in food courts usually prepare and serve food (e.g. stir-fried noodles) on the spot according to the orders placed by customers, and there are dining areas in food courts for customers to dine in. This business model is basically the same as that of regular restaurants, hence food stalls in food courts are required to comply with the regulatory requirements on tableware for dine-in service. Similar to other restaurants, if customers purchase food for takeaway, this will not be regarded as providing dine-in service and plastic cups and plastic food containers can be used.
If food courts offer pre-packaged food for immediate consumption (e.g. boxed sushi, sandwiches) on shelves or through vending machines that allow customers to make purchases and facilitate them to take the products away from the premises, based on the above principle, this is also considered as takeaway, and therefore the products can be packaged in plastic food containers.
If the cooked food section of a supermarket serves food (e.g. stir-fried noodles) prepared on the spot according to the orders placed by customers, and there are dining areas for customers to dine-in, this situation is similar to the mode of operation of a food court, and no different from that of a regular restaurant. Under this circumstance, it has to comply with the regulatory requirements on tableware for dine-in service. The above is consistent with the explanation on the situation of supermarkets given by the EPD at its earlier training seminar for the retail and service sector.
As far as customers are concerned, the purchase and use of certain disposable plastic products will not violate the law under any circumstances.
Apr 25, 2024 | Uncategorized
Ankura Hospital for Women and Children organised “Mommy’s Day Out” a day with fun-filled activities was designed just for expecting couples to celebrate their journey of parenthood. The day-long programme was organised at the Hotel Metropolitan, Vijayawada.
The activities for the day included side-splitting performances by stand-up comedians, glamorous ramp walks, striking poses at the photo booth other than engaging in interactive sessions with expert gynaecologists and paediatricians. The day offered deals to 50 couples who had done spot registration. Two of those registered couple were lucky to avail of a discount of Rs 10,000 on the exclusive birthing package. The lucky draw that was carried out saw the winners being showered with incredible rewards: the first prize went to a couple who were offered a free delivery experience, ensuring that the special day becomes a memorable one in the true sense. The second and third prizes were room updates-a luxurious room upgrade to a suite and a normal room upgrade respectively adding a touch of comfort to the stay at the hospital.
As an elated Dr Vijay Kumar, Medical Director, Ankura Hospital for Women and Children, Vijayawada, puts it, “The overwhelming response from the expecting couples has been truly heartwarming. It reaffirms the importance of coming together to celebrate and support expecting couples as they embark on this beautiful journey of parenthood. It also speaks volumes about the work that Ankura Hospital has constantly been doing since its inception on Gynaecology and Paediatrics.”
