kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
DoJ establishes Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Task Force
7.1.2023

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announces today (January 7) the establishment of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Task Force to deepen the mutually beneficial co-operation for the convenience and benefit of the people in the GBA and to facilitate the development and construction of the GBA. Led by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, the Task Force comprises representatives from the legal sector, the academics, the business sector, Hong Kong residents in the Mainland and the DoJ. The work of the Task Force is mainly to advise on the promotion and utilization of the unique strengths of "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions" of the GBA; and to focus on strengthening mutual legal assistance between the GBA and Hong Kong and facilitating the convergence of legal practices, so as to enhance interactions among the people and businesses in the GBA. The Task Force is to hold the first meeting in January. "The development of the GBA, one of the key national strategies, provides Hong Kong with unlimited opportunities. To establish this Task Force is one of the initiatives in the 2022 Policy Address to dovetail with the national strategies to create strong impetus for growth," Mr Cheung said. Upon the progressive, orderly and comprehensive resumption of normal travel between Hong Kong and the Mainland, Mr Cheung hopes that the work of the Task Force can help the legal sector to better seize the opportunities given to Hong Kong by the country; to promote the interaction and co-operation among the people and businesses in the GBA; to fully leverage Hong Kong's unique competitive edges under "one country, two systems" in favour of a more proactive integration into the national development, and in support of the GBA's high-quality development. The terms of reference and membership of the Task Force are respectively set out in Appendix 1 and Appendix 2. Ends/Saturday, January 7, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
GBA Cross-Boundary Disputes Mediation Model Rules officially released
30.12.2022

The Greater Bay Area Cross-Boundary Disputes Mediation Model Rules, endorsed by the fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference on December 16, were officially released and came into effect today (December 30). The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) comprises three different legal systems of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao. The mediation models, systems and development are also different among the three places. In synergy with the GBA Mediator Accreditation Standards and the GBA Mediator Code of Conduct Best Practice which were endorsed and came into effect last year, the Mediation Model Rules will have a demonstrative effect for reference and voluntary adoption of the mediation institutions and mediators within the GBA. The promulgation of various mediation standards will further promote the wider use of mediation within the GBA and is a major milestone in advancing the building of the rule of law in the GBA and Hong Kong's integration into the GBA development. It will also encourage the use of mediation by the business sector and the public in the three places to resolve cross-boundary disputes, creating complementary and win-win solutions. The English cursory translation of the GBA Cross-Boundary Disputes Mediation Model Rules can be viewed on the Department of Justice's website . Ends/Friday, December 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:02 NNNN
Department of Justice releases "Prosecutions Hong Kong 2021"
29.12.2022

The Prosecutions Division of the Department of Justice (DoJ) today (December 29) published online "Prosecutions Hong Kong 2021" , which reviews the DoJ's prosecution work for the year 2021. One of the fundamental principles of the criminal justice system in Hong Kong is to ensure a fair trial and uphold due administration of justice. In ensuring the integrity of the criminal justice system in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, prosecutors of the DoJ have always applied the highest professional standards in handling criminal cases and discharging their prosecutorial duties without fear or favour. In the Director's Overview, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, emphasised that all prosecutorial decisions are made on evidence and public interest considerations. Factors such as personal opinion and political stance have absolutely no part to play. She pointed out that the work of prosecutors excludes notions of "winning or losing". The purpose of bringing a prosecution is not to secure a conviction, but to present evidence in a fair and impartial manner to assist the court or jury in reaching a just result. Apart from a detailed account of the key cases handled by each sub-division of the Prosecutions Division, this latest review also provides information on various outreach and training activities organised by the Division throughout the year. Ends/Thursday, December 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
DSJ's driver tests positive for COVID-19
23.12.2022

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said today (December 23) that a driver of the office has tested positive for COVID-19 through a polymerase chain reaction-based nucleic acid (PCR) test last night (December 22). The driver is responsible for driving duties for the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan. The driver does not need to have contact with the public and has no recent travel history. He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work. He last performed duties on December 22. Mr Cheung has been taking PCR tests and rapid antigen tests (RAT) regularly. He tested negative after conducting an RAT today. Ends/Friday, December 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:23 NNNN
International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office) Order gazetted
23.12.2022

The International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) (International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office) Order (the Order) was gazetted today (December 23). Pursuant to the Joint Statement on the Future Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation signed by the People's Republic of China and various foreign states, the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office (IOMed Preparatory Office) will be set up in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Order seeks to recognise the legal status of the IOMed Preparatory Office in the HKSAR, and implement the privileges and immunities as provided under the Arrangement on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation Preparatory Office in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region signed between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Central People's Government and the Government of the HKSAR on October 21, 2022, and enables the IOMed Preparatory Office to commence its substantive operations in early 2023. "The establishment of the IOMed Preparatory Office in the HKSAR is an important step for taking forward the work relating to the negotiation of the relevant international convention and the other preparatory work relating to the establishment of the IOMed. The DoJ will fully support the work of the IOMed Preparatory Office to strengthen the HKSAR as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan", said the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC. The Order was made by the Chief Executive in Council under the International Organizations (Privileges and Immunities) Ordinance (Cap. 558). The Order will come into operation today and will be tabled before the Legislative Council on January 11, 2023, for negative vetting. Ends/Friday, December 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
New round of application exercise for institutions to qualify under arrangement on interim measures in aid of arbitral proceedings by courts of Mainland and HKSAR commences
20.12.2022

A spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) said that a new round of application exercise for arbitration and dispute resolution institutions to qualify under Article 2(1) of the Arrangement Concerning Mutual Assistance in Court-ordered Interim Measures in Aid of Arbitral Proceedings by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Arrangement) was launched today (December 20). The details of the application procedures are set out on the webpage of the DoJ . Under the Arrangement signed between the DoJ and the Supreme People's Court in April 2019, parties to arbitral proceedings seated in Hong Kong and administered by eligible arbitral institutions which have been designated would be able to apply to the relevant Mainland courts for interim measures. Those interested to be the designated institutions or permanent offices under the Arrangement may submit an application to the DoJ. All applications and supporting documents shall be in writing and submitted to the DoJ on or before January 20, 2023, by post or email as follows: Alternative Dispute Resolution Team Civil Division Department of Justice 2nd floor, East Wing, Justice Place, 18 Lower Albert Road, Central, Hong Kong Email: arbitration@doj.gov.hk For enquiries, please contact the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team of the DoJ (Tel: 3902 8604; email: arbitration@doj.gov.hk ). Ends/Tuesday, December 20, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:00 NNNN
HKSAR Government strongly condemns false and misleading statement by US Department of State regarding sentencing of HKSAR court
11.12.2022

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (December 11) strongly condemned and opposed the false and misleading statement of the United States (US) Department of State against the sentence of the court of the HKSAR laid down in accordance with the law on the fraud case involving Lai Chee-ying. Interfering in the fair trial, the absurd statement has totally disregarded the facts. This is a political interference in, and malicious slander on, Hong Kong's judicial system. A spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed that the defendant had fully exercised his right to defend himself and that the sentences were imposed by the court, with judicial power exercised independently, based on facts and evidence after open trials. Also, the detailed reasons for sentence are contained in the publicly available judgment. The case concerned is a fraud case and has nothing to do with freedom of the press or freedom of speech. As pointed out in the judgment, the nature of the case purely concerns fraud and should not be viewed as being tied with any political considerations, as it would be unfair to the prosecution and defence as well as to the whole community. Under Article 85 of the Basic Law, the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the US to stop interfering in the independent exercise of judicial power in, and the internal affairs of, the HKSAR. In pursuit of its political interests, the US has blatantly interfered in the fair trial by the court, seriously undermined the spirit of the rule of law and contravened international standards and international law. The use of numerous fallacies by the US is nothing but exposure of its hegemonic bullying, resulting in a loss of its credibility. Ends/Sunday, December 11, 2022 Issued at HKT 18:15 NNNN
DoJ responds to media enquiries
23.11.2022

In response to media enquiries on the Department of Justice's (DoJ) handling of cases in relation to the "anti-extradition amendment bill" incidents, a spokesman for the DoJ replied today (November 23) as follows: Upon receipt of the evidence and the relevant documents from the law enforcement agencies, the prosecutors of the DoJ always handle the cases expeditiously, in accordance with the law and the Prosecution Code. Regarding the 2019 "anti-extradition amendment bill" incidents, related cases involving serious offences such as rioting and unlawful assembly are handled by the Special Duties Team of the Prosecutions Division. As of today, the team has received 1 215 cases from the Police, and legal advice has been given to 1 201 of them (98.8 per cent). Nevertheless, the law enforcement agencies do not necessarily refer all their cases to the DoJ, and the reasons include: (1) the cases are still under investigation; (2) no follow-up action is necessary for the time being; (3) the evidence is considered insufficient to warrant referral of the cases to the DoJ; and (4) the cases have been handled by the law enforcement agencies in accordance with internal procedures. Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:57 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by SJ after Ante Chamber exchange session (with photo)
23.11.2022

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, at a media session after attending the Ante Chamber exchange session this morning (November 23): Reporter: ... go to the CFA (Court of Final Appeal) directly to appeal against Jimmy Lai's hiring of Tim Owen. So what do you make of that? Secretary for Justice: Well, I think it is inappropriate for me to comment on ongoing legal proceedings. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Wednesday, November 23, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:53 NNNN
Second meeting of Working Group on the Greater Bay Area Mediation Platform held online
21.11.2022

The second meeting of the Working Group on the Greater Bay Area Mediation Platform (GBA Mediation Platform), established by the Guangdong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) and Macao SAR legal departments, was held online on November 18. Building on the Greater Bay Area Mediator Accreditation Standards and the Greater Bay Area Mediator Code of Conduct Best Practice which were published and came into effect last year, the meeting focused on the discussion of the model mediation rules applicable to cross-boundary disputes in the GBA, for reference of the GBA mediation institutions and mediation users, with a view to promoting the extensive use of mediation in the GBA. Also, the three places exchanged views on the local rules implementing the Greater Bay Area Mediator Accreditation Standards at the Meeting of the Working Group. The Working Group will also continue to actively take forward the work of the GBA Mediation Platform, and aim to submit the relevant mediation rules for endorsement at the fourth Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Bay Area Legal Departments Joint Conference. Ends/Monday, November 21, 2022 Issued at HKT 12:30 NNNN
Workshop on ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution under Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 held today (with photos)
9.11.2022

As part of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, the Workshop on ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) was held successfully in hybrid mode today (November 9). With the support of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat and the Trade and Industry Department of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, the theme of the Workshop this year was "ODR in Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment for ASEAN and Hong Kong Businesses". Representatives from six ASEAN member states and the ASEAN Secretariat joined the Workshop in person in Hong Kong, with other ASEAN member states participating online. In delivering his opening remarks, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, highlighted the importance of ODR for micro, small and medium enterprises, particularly in facilitating cross-border trade and investment. Distinguished speakers from international organisations and experts on ODR shared their insights on how ODR facilitates access to justice by providing a cost-effective and efficient solution to cross-border disputes in the era of flourishing digital trade. This Workshop was supported by the Economic and Technical Co-operation Work Programme under the ASEAN-Hong Kong, China Free Trade Agreement. The Director-General of Trade and Industry, Ms Maggie Wong, in her closing remarks concluded that the workshop today contributed tremendously to enhancing the mutual co-operation and capacity building between ASEAN and Hong Kong. For more details of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk . Live broadcast is available at webcast.info.gov.hk . Members of the public are also welcome to register for joining the event online. Ends/Wednesday, November 9, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:56 NNNN
Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 to be launched on Monday
5.11.2022

Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, the annual flagship event of the Department of Justice (DoJ), will be launched on Monday (November 7). The five-day event will bring together prominent experts, practitioners, government officials, academics and elites from diverse sectors from around the world to share their insights on a wide spectrum of issues, from facilitating access to justice through international instruments and diversified dispute resolution mechanisms, promoting the rule of law for sustainability, to the latest LawTech developments relevant to the Belt and Road Initiative and in the international arena. Fully supported by prominent international legal organisations, the two professional legal bodies in Hong Kong and other law-related organisations, Hong Kong Legal Week 2022 will feature a series of international and important events in hybrid mode as below: November 7 Asia-Pacific Private International Law Summit November 8 HCCH Conventions Supporting Transnational Litigation in Civil or Commercial Matters: A Workshop to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific; Generations in Arbitration Conference November 9 Workshop on ASEAN Online Dispute Resolution: ODR in Facilitating Cross-Border Trade and Investment for ASEAN and Hong Kong Businesses; Hong Kong Mediation Lecture 2022 November 10 The Law Society of Hong Kong's 5th Belt and Road Conference with the theme of "Metaverse and Money on the Belt and Road" November 11 Rule of Law Congress: Rule of Law and Justice for All The International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH) and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), the "three sisters" of private international law due to their preeminent position as international organisations involved in the harmonisation of law, will participate in many of the events throughout Hong Kong Legal Week 2022. More details of the organisations can be found in the Annex. For more details of Hong Kong Legal Week 2022, please visit the dedicated website at www.legalweek.hk . Live broadcast will be available at webcast.info.gov.hk . Members of the public are also welcome to register for joining the event online. Ends/Saturday, November 5, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
HKSAR Government's response to 2022 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index
26.10.2022

​In response to media enquiries on 2022 World Justice Project Rule of Law Index (Index), a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government spokesman made the following reply today (October 26): The overall ranking of Hong Kong remains high in the Index, attaining the 6th in East Asia and the Pacific, and the 22nd out of 140 countries and jurisdictions worldwide. The position is higher than some western countries which often unreasonably criticise the rule of law and human rights situation of Hong Kong. That Hong Kong ranks the 6th in terms of order and security is sufficient proof of the important role of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) in maintaining the order and security of Hong Kong. Not only has it restored order from chaos and strengthened the rule of law, it has also earned the recognition in the international community. Besides, Hong Kong ranking the 9th in the world in terms of "Absence of Corruption" is a testament to the effectiveness of the city's anti-corruption work and its culture of probity. We believe that the slight adjustment of Hong Kong's ranking in some aspects is possibly due to the lack of an accurate and overall understanding of the real situation of the city. We will step up our efforts in explaining Hong Kong's situation to ensure that others have a correct understanding of the system in Hong Kong. We totally disagree about the opinions made by a relevant person as reported by the media, the content of which, if true, only reflects the lack of understanding of the real situation of Hong Kong by the person. In fact, since the city's reunification with the motherland, the HKSAR Government has been firmly committed to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the people, both of which are protected under the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights. The courts of HKSAR have been exercising its judicial power independently in accordance with the law. Since the implementation of NSL, Hong Kong has become safer, more stable and better protected in all aspects. Countries around the world take threat to national security seriously and our country is no exception. Under the NSL, the Chief Executive appoints a list of designated judges to handle cases concerning national security while the assignment of judges to handle particular cases remains the sole responsibility of the Judiciary. The system of designated judges under NSL does not in any way affect the independence of the Judiciary. As the Court noted in Tong Ying Kit (No. 1) [2020] 4 HKLRD 382, no reasonable, fair-minded and well-informed observer would think that a designated judge is or may be no longer independent of the Government. Ends/Wednesday, October 26, 2022 Issued at HKT 23:59 NNNN
SJ launches Facebook page
15.10.2022

The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, launched a Facebook page to reach out to different sectors of the community and enhance contact and communication with the public. Members of the public are welcome to visit the Secretary for Justice's Facebook page ( www.facebook.com/paultklam/ ). Ends/Saturday, October 15, 2022 Issued at HKT 14:11 NNNN