kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
S for S speaks on Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019
17.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after the Bills Committee on Fugitive Offenders and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2019 meeting at the Legislative Council (LegCo) today (April 17): Reporter: (About the urgency of the amendment bill.) Secretary for Security: I am extremely disappointed and I regret that it has taken two hours for the Bills Committee to hold the meeting without even appointing a chairman. In my memory, it has not happened before. The Government is very serious about this proposal because there is an urgency of this matter. We all know that the suspect of the Taiwan murder case has pleaded guilty to the charges of money laundering in Hong Kong and the court will mention the case again on the 29th of this month. We have to deal with the real fact at the present moment we have no legal basis to deal with this suspect for the Taiwan murder case. So we urge every member of the Bills Committee to allow a rational discussion at the Bills Committee, so that views will be heard and explanations can be given for the final decision by LegCo. We now lack the law and also lack a practicable solution to deal with similar serious cases which can happen at any time, at any place, to any victim in a jurisdiction which is beyond the 20 countries with which we have signed (long-term) agreements. So the urgency of the matter really requires every one of us to treat this urgently, so that we can have a final solution to deal with the two very important matters that I have just mentioned. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S speaks on proposed amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance
15.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending an event today (April 15): Reporter: Mr Lee, Taiwan officials have already said that if under the current proposal from you, they would not trigger the extradition request because it is done under the "one country" principle. So why do you still refer to the suspected murder case in Taiwan as one of the reasons for you to trigger such a legal reform? Secretary for Security: I think I have repeatedly mentioned that in our impending discussion with the Taiwan side, we will only talk about this case, the merits of the case, the human rights and legal safeguards. We will talk nothing but about the case details and the related matters. In fact the request has been initiated by the Taiwan side. We have no law at present to actually go into the arrangement for the request. That is exactly why we make this proposal to the Legislative Council. And that is exactly why we have to deal with it urgently. Once we have the law, then of course, we can actually go into some formal procedures as to the actual arrangement and also to deal with the actual request. But I must have the law now because at present, Hong Kong has no law to deal with such request from the Taiwan side. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S praises the Force for maintaining Hong Kong's law and order (with photos)
13.4.2019

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee praised the over 30,000 police officers at a passing-out parade at the Hong Kong Police College today (April 13) for their dedication in serving the community and maintaining a stable law and order situation in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong as one of the safest cities in the world. Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Lee said that a total of 54,225 crime cases were recorded in 2018 in Hong Kong, down by 3.2 per cent when compared with 2017. The figure was the lowest in 45 years. The number of crimes per 100,000 population in 2018 stood at 728 cases, a decrease of four per cent when compared with 2017, and was a record low in the past 49 years. Mr Lee noted that the situation of global terrorism has become increasingly complex in recent years. He said that although the threat level of Hong Kong being subject to terrorist attack is "moderate", the Government must stay vigilant and continuously enhance Hong Kong's capability and preparedness to combat terrorism. He added that the Inter-departmental Counter-terrorism Unit established by the Security Bureau last year held its first large-scale counter-terrorism exercise last month to strengthen Hong Kong's counter-terrorism deployment and capability. Lastly, Mr Lee hoped the graduates would uphold the Force's values and fine tradition, remain steadfast in their duties and further reinforce the achievements of the Force in the past 175 years to ensure a stable law and order situation in Hong Kong. A total of 34 probationary inspectors and 194 recruit police constables passed out today.
S for S speaks on proposed amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance
12.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending the special meeting of the Legislative Council Finance Committee today (April 12): Reporter: Mr Lee, are you saying that it is impossible for the Government to withdraw the bill and consult the public again on this extradition method because of the concerns of the Legal subsector of the Election Committee as well as people like James Tien who said you should actually withdraw it? Secretary for Security: I understand there are different views in relation to the Government's proposal to amend the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and also the Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance. My colleagues and also colleagues in the DoJ (Department of Justice) have been working hard to prepare for the Bills Committee which is likely to be convened very soon. All these views, of course, are being examined by us to see how our eventual government proposal will be discussed and explained in the Bills Committee. I think we have to come back to the fundamental reason why we make our proposal now, is to deal with the suspect who is involved in a case in Taiwan in respect of which we do not have any law to deal with it. And also the Taiwan murder case has proven that the possibility of another very serious case will happen anytime, at any place, particularly when we have only signed long-term surrender agreements with 20 jurisdictions. So we must do these things to ensure that people who have committed serious offences do face the justice they deserve, and also at the same time to ensure that citizens of Hong Kong are protected from people who have committed serious crimes. So I really sincerely hope that everybody will look at this from a very rational point of view. It is important, of course, that we will ensure that any person who may be subject to surrender will have all the legal and human rights safeguards, and that is what the present Ordinance (Fugitive Offenders Ordinance) has contained and ensured that all the legal and human rights of a person are fully protected. The present Ordinance is actually made in such a way that we make full reference to the model treaty that is passed in the United Nations. So the present practice has already ensured that the required safeguards, including legal and human rights, are in accordance with the international practice. So what the Government is proposing is that we will do cases where we strongly believe that we must deal with, using the Ordinance which has been in operation smoothly and successfully in the past almost 22 years. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S speaks on proposed amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance
2.4.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security meeting at the LegCo Complex today (April 2): Reporter: Secretary, does it mean that the Government would not consider making the current proposal not retroactive? And secondly, do you have anything to say to the Bar Association (Hong Kong Bar Association)'s statement? Secretary for Security: The principle of surrender of fugitives, of course, is in regard to a person who has committed a crime previously and that is the reason why he tries to escape justice and becomes a fugitive. So obviously, the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance is to deal with people who have committed a crime previously. I think that is a very obvious principle that anybody can understand. In the Bills Committee, of course we will be explaining all the amendment proposals that the Government has made and answer any questions that may arise. At that time, we will explain all the reasons, all the purposes, and all the intentions. Your second question? Reporter: Do you have anything to add to the Bar Association's statement? Secretary for Security: I respect opinions from everybody. But to me, it is a fact that I cannot deal with, first of all, at present, the Taiwan murder case because there is no law. The second factor is the surrender on a case basis is full of matters that make it not practicable. So to me, it is a loophole that I must plug. I respect, of course, other opinions, and that is why at the Bills Committee, we will be explaining more to questions that will be raised with my colleagues at the time. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Details of second cycle of Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise
27.3.2019

The Immigration Department (ImmD) announced today (March 27) that the second cycle of the Territory-wide Identity Card Replacement Exercise will commence on June 3, 2019. The Secretary for Security has made an Amendment Order to announce the details of the second cycle of the Replacement Exercise. Subject to the negative vetting procedure of the Legislative Council, the arrangement will be as follows: Eligible Persons Application Period Holders of existing Hong Kong Identity Cards (HKICs) born in 1966 or 1967 June 3, 2019 &ndash; July 26, 2019 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1964 or 1965 July 27, 2019 &ndash; September 23, 2019 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1955 or 1956 September 24, 2019 &ndash; November 15, 2019 Holders of existing HKICs born in 1957, 1958 or 1959 November 16, 2019 &ndash; February 17, 2020 "The first cycle of the Replacement Exercise will end on June 1, 2019. Eligible applicants of the first cycle who have not replaced their HKICs are reminded to apply for the new HKICs at the Smart Identity Card Replacement Centres (SIDCCs) (at Annex) as early as possible", an ImmD spokesman said. Eligible applicants may make appointment bookings via the Internet ( www.gov.hk/newicbooking ), the ImmD mobile application or the 24-hour telephone booking hotline 2121 1234. To enjoy a faster registration process, applicants are encouraged to pre-fill the application form when making appointment bookings through the Internet or mobile application. The ImmD spokesman added that the facilitative measure for eligible applicants to bring along up to two family members or friends aged 65 or above to replace their HKICs together during the same visit to a SIDCC will remain applicable. The replacement exercise covers all Hong Kong residents, regardless of whether they are permanent residents or residents for employment (including foreign domestic helpers), investment, residence or study. If eligible Hong Kong residents are absent from Hong Kong during their call-up periods, they can apply within 30 days upon their return to Hong Kong. For details of the replacement exercise, please visit the website www.smartid.gov.hk or call the ImmD's enquiry hotline at 2824 6111.
S for S visits Islands District (with photos)
13.3.2019

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited Islands District this afternoon (March 13) to learn more about the law and order situation there and the livelihood conditions of the local community. He also called at an integrated services centre in the district. Accompanied by the District Officer (Islands), Mr Anthony Li, Mr Lee first met with the Chairman of the Islands District Council (IDC), Mr Chow Yuk-tong, and IDC members to exchange views on issues relating to the local law and order situation and people's livelihood. Mr Lee then visited the Tung Chung Integrated Services Centre of the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council. The Centre offers one-stop services and diversified activities to young people, schoolchildren, families and the elderly in the district. Services provided by the Centre include counselling and support services for youth, after-school care services for primary students, and day care services for the elderly. After listening to a briefing on the Centre's facilities and services, Mr Lee chatted with local young people, including non-Chinese speaking youths, at the Centre to learn about their daily life, interests and future aspirations. Mr Lee said he was pleased to learn that the young people had adopted a positive attitude towards life, and he encouraged them to participate more in community activities and to serve the community.
S for S speaks on proposed amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance
5.3.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending an event this afternoon (March 5): Reporter: What would the Government do if Taiwan refuses to sign an agreement (on the Taiwan homicide case) because of political concerns? Do you have any back-up plan? Secretary for Security: First of all, the Taiwan side has already made their request for legal assistance and to handover the suspect to them, so that they will deal with him in accordance with their law. They have already made their request. We have also started to contact them, so that we can talk about this matter. It is important to highlight that in regard to our dealing with any request from any jurisdiction, we will handle it with mutual respect based on the case merits, so as to ensure the fugitives, the people who have committed serious crime, will face justice. So I trust that our two sides will work on the case based on the case merits, so as to ensure that justice is done not just in this case, but justice is done for the whole good of the community. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S visits Yuen Long District (with photos)
27.2.2019

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited Yuen Long District this afternoon (February 27) to learn more about the law and order situation there and the livelihood conditions of the local community. He also called at a newly designed youth centre in the district. Accompanied by the District Officer (Yuen Long), Mr Enoch Yuen, Mr Lee first met with members of the Yuen Long District Council to exchange views on issues relating to the local law and order situation and people's livelihood. Mr Lee then visited the Hung Shui Kiu Youth S.P.O.T. of the Hong Kong Federation of Youth Groups (HKFYG), where he was guided around the centre by youth volunteers. Comprising open and innovative design concepts, the centre also provides young people with creative and experiential learning opportunities. Mr Lee was briefed on the youth centre's facilities and services and observed a latte art demonstration by participants of youth pre-employment training organised by the centre. Mr Lee also chatted with the winners of an app design competition and an augmented reality video production competition organised by the HKFYG to learn more about their creative ideas. He also listened to other youth volunteers giving tips on taking selfies for passport photos and media production. Mr Lee expressed his appreciation to staff of the centre for providing services at this newly designed and fun-filled venue so that local youths can enjoy learning. He also encouraged the young people to keep exploring their potential and creativity by making good use of the facilities.
S for S speaks on police case involving Saudi female
22.2.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending a public function today (February 22): Reporter: Secretary, can you clarify whether the consulate officials from other countries can enforce the law here at our Hong Kong airport or even within the restricted area, or assign somebody to do it? Can you clarify that first? Because there is a case of two Saudi sisters saying that there had been an attempted kidnapping within the airport area. Have the Police received any report on that? Secretary for Security: The Police have received two separate reports, one regarding missing person and one regarding request for investigation. The Police are dealing with them, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment on the details of the case. But one principle is important: that all people in Hong Kong must comply with the laws of Hong Kong. Any matter that relates to issues of law will be dealt with by the law enforcement agencies accordingly. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
LCQ11: Serious drug offences 
20.2.2019

Following is a question by the Hon Lau Kwok-fan and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, in the Legislative Council today (February 20): Question: Regarding serious drug offences (covering drug trafficking and manufacturing), will the Government inform this Council: (1) of the number of persons arrested in each of the past 10 years for committing serious drug offences (set out by age group in a table); (2) given that while the number of crimes concerning serious drug offences in 2018 has dropped as compared to that in the preceding year, the quantity of drugs seized over the same period has risen, whether the authorities have studied if there is a trend of serious drug offences being committed in a syndicated manner and on an expanded scale; and (3) whether the Police have formulated targeted strategies with a focus on dealing a blow to the leaders and management of drug syndicates; if so, of the details and the effectiveness; if not, the reasons for that? &emsp; Reply: President, The reply to the question raised by the Hon Lau Kwok-fan is as follows: (1) From 2009 to 2018, the number of persons arrested for committing serious drug offences (set out under the age groups of "aged under 21" and "aged 21 and over" respectively) is tabulated at Annex. The overall number (especially for the group "aged under 21") has shown a downward trend. (2) In 2018, the Police and the Customs and Excise Department (C&ED) detected a total of 1 621 cases involving serious drug offences (a decrease of about 7.7 per cent when compared with 2017), and the provisional figure of seized drugs was 2 129 kilograms (a decrease of about 16 per cent when compared with 2017). Law enforcement figures and related intelligence have not indicated that syndicated drug trafficking or serious drug offences are on an expanded scale. The Police and C&ED are committed to combatting serious drug offences and will remain vigilant in closely monitoring the changes of related crime trends. (3) The Police take intelligence-led law enforcement and work closely with local law enforcement agencies as well as those outside Hong Kong to combat drug trafficking syndicates. Depending on the circumstances of individual cases, the Police would prosecute the masterminds of syndicates for conspiracy to traffic in dangerous drugs. For drug traffickers who use minors in undertaking illegal drug activities, the Police would seek a more severe sentence from the court in accordance with the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance (Cap. 134). From 2012 to 2018, the sentences on the offenders were increased by 1.5 months to three years in a total of 16 cases.
S for S speaks on proposed amendments to Fugitive Offenders Ordinance and Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance
15.2.2019

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session after attending the Legislative Council (LegCo) Panel on Security meeting at the LegCo Complex today (February 15): Reporter: Secretary, since this case, its major content regarding this proposal is mainly concerned about possible extradition to the Mainland. So why is it not possible, or wouldn't it actually be a better agreement to single out the Mainland and not put it in this bill for now? And then for Mainland cases, we handle these through signing a long-term extradition agreement. The second question, what will be the consequences if the LegCo does not back this proposal? Secretary for Security: Well, this loophole on this big problem has existed in our statute of Cap 503, the Fugitive Offenders Ordinance, for 21 years. The Taiwan murder case indicates that this is a loophole that we must address. If I only deal with a single case now, this loophole will continue to exist. That would mean we will repeat the same problem, the same saga and the same injustice that this - the present situation - has been presenting. I think it is a real fact that a case of similar nature to the Taiwan murder case can happen again. So I think it is important that we address this defect in the law now, rather than repeating making the same mistakes. Can I have your second question? Reporter: The second question is the consequences if the LegCo does not back this (proposal). Secretary for Security: The immediate consequence that is so obvious is the suspect in the Taiwan murder case will be free to move around, live in Hong Kong. His case will just be ended like that. The second thing is, as I have reported to the LegCo, I have in hand at least three murder cases in Hong Kong, in which Hong Kong residents were murdered. Two of the cases involve suspects now hiding in a place which is outside Hong Kong and within the PRC (the People's Republic of China). There is another one which involves a suspect who is now hiding in another country. I also have a case involving a suspect who has done a kidnapping case in another country, and this suspect is a Hong Kong resident. Suspects of this kind will be living in Hong Kong with us every day. So I must address the risk to safety and the law and order problem, that if I allow them to continue to either stay in Hong Kong or do nothing, so as to ensure the justice is done. Thank you very much. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
S for S views operation of West Kowloon Station Port (with photos)
5.2.2019

The Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, visited West Kowloon Station (WKS) of the Hong Kong Section of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) today (February 5) to see its operation on Lunar New Year's Day and meet personnel on duty at the WKS Port. Mr Lee first visited the Police Report Centre at the Hong Kong Port Area. Accompanied by officers of the Immigration Department and the Customs and Excise Department, he then viewed the immigration and customs clearance operations at the departure hall. Afterwards, Mr Lee proceeded to the Mainland Port Area and visited the personnel of the Port Office, Immigration Inspection, Customs and Railway Public Security of the Mainland. During his visit at each unit, Mr Lee thanked the officers on duty for their dedication during the Lunar New Year holidays in ensuring the smooth operation of the WKS Port so that passengers can enjoy the efficient and convenient railway services of the XRL during the very busy festive season period.