kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
​DSJ to lead delegation of legal professionals to visit Bangkok
13.3.2023

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will lead a 30-person delegation comprising Hong Kong legal professionals to depart for Bangkok, Thailand, on March 15 for a visit to strengthen the ties and collaboration with the legal sector in Thailand, as well as to promote Hong Kong's unique strengths, and consolidate the city's leading position as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. Mr Cheung and the delegation will attend the new large-scale outreach promotional campaign "Resolve2Win - Legal Services of Hong Kong, Opportunities for All", co-organised by the Department of Justice and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, to promote Hong Kong's legal and dispute resolution services, including the promotion of the "Mediate First" Pledge campaign. This is the first time this pledge campaign is promoted overseas. Mr Cheung will speak at the event and the delegates will have exchanges with the local legal and business sectors. In addition, they will also visit the Thailand Arbitration Center and the Lawyers Council of Thailand. Mr Cheung and the delegation will return to Hong Kong in the evening on March 17. Ends/Monday, March 13, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:30 NNNN
HKSAR Government strongly disapproves and firmly rejects remarks by spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of EU
12.3.2023

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (March 12) strongly disapproved and firmly rejected the scandalising of the criminal justice process of the HKSAR that involves cases concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) by a spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs and Security Policy of the European Union (EU). A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence have the right to and will undergo a fair trial by the judiciary. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved." The HKSAR Government spokesman stressed, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. Hong Kong's judicial system has always been highly regarded by international communities. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing." The HKSAR Government spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR Government steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and upholds the authority of the NSL. It resolutely carries out its duties and obligations to safeguard national security in accordance with the law, and upholds the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'. Any person's attempt to undermine the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong by slandering the rule of law in Hong Kong will only expose his own weakness and faulty arguments and be doomed to fail. The HKSAR Government strongly urges the relevant EU official to immediately stop acting against the international law and basic norms of international relations, and interfering in the Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large." Ends/Sunday, March 12, 2023 Issued at HKT 18:47 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by DSJ
4.3.2023

Following is the transcript of remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (March 4): Reporter: Mr Cheung, what are your goals of the trip to Europe? When will you lead the delegation to the Greater Bay Area (GBA)? And I also would like to follow up on the cases related to 2019 protest. When will we have a more concrete result as to what they are facing in the future? Deputy Secretary for Justice: The Department of Justice will have a trip to Europe for seven days and during which we will visit the three international organisations and meet the business community and the legal sector in Europe. Certainly, we hope that we can introduce what is going on in Hong Kong in the last couple of years, to tell the good stories of Hong Kong and the development of the rule of law in Hong Kong. As regards to the Greater Bay Area, we are planning to have a delegation comprising the legal sector of Hong Kong to go to the GBA so that they can have the personal contact with the commercial community in the GBA, so that they can have the opportunities to have a better legal practice in the GBA. As regards to the prosecution of cases, as I have pointed out from time to time, the Department of Justice (DoJ) is the legal adviser to the Government. The DoJ will give the advice on the prosecution or on evidence to the enforcement agencies when they need the legal opinion. As to when they will make the announcement on the decision, I will leave it into the good hands of the law enforcement agencies. Thank you. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Saturday, March 4, 2023 Issued at HKT 12:33 NNNN
DSJ to visit Europe
3.3.2023

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will depart for Europe on March 5 to Italy, Austria, Switzerland and the Netherlands. He will attend meetings with the three prominent organisations of private international law headquartered in Europe, namely, the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law, the Hague Conference on Private International Law and the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, in order to foster closer connections and collaboration, and consolidate Hong Kong's status as the centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region. During his visit, Mr Cheung will attend a number of conferences and receptions, and speak at the events. He will take the opportunity to meet with the leaders of international organisations and prominent figures of political and business sectors to introduce Hong Kong's robust legal system and rule of law situation, and the city's latest legal developments with the unique advantages under "one country, two systems", that is, enjoying strong support of the motherland while also being closely connected to the rest of the world, and to tell the good stories of Hong Kong. Mr Cheung will conclude his visit at The Hague on March 11, and return to Hong Kong in the morning on the next day. Ends/Friday, March 3, 2023 Issued at HKT 16:00 NNNN
HKSAR Government strongly opposes and condemns bullying act by US Congressional-Executive Commission on China
1.3.2023

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (March 1) strongly opposed the so-called "statement" issued by persons responsible for the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China regarding the HKSAR's criminal justice process for cases concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, and also vehemently condemned the US politicians' attempt to seek the imposition of so-called "sanctions" on prosecutors from the Department of Justice (DoJ) who have been fulfilling their righteous duties of administering justice independently and impartially. A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "The HKSAR Government strongly objects to the purely politically oriented remarks of the US politicians. Making a statement with the intent to interfere with or obstruct the course of justice, or engaging in conduct with the same intent, may even constitute the offence of criminal contempt of court or the offence of perverting the course of justice. "Pursuant to Article 63 of the Basic Law, the DoJ controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. The prosecutors act strictly in accordance with a longstanding international practice that the decision to prosecute will only take into consideration the applicable laws and the admissible evidence to justify instituting proceedings. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or backgrounds of the persons involved." The spokesman stressed, "Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law and has always adhered to the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. Hong Kong's judicial system has always been highly regarded by international communities. The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, free from any interference. Everyone charged with a criminal offence has the right to a fair hearing. "Safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and hence the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law in the HKSAR should be free from any form of interference. The US politicians' arbitrary and unreasonable bullying act has seriously violated international norms and grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large. It is a blatant attempt to undermine the rule of law of Hong Kong and will only expose their own weakness and be doomed to fail." Ends/Wednesday, March 1, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:25 NNNN
DoJ's Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education holds first meeting (with photo)
28.2.2023

Chaired by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and vice-chaired by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education (Steering Committee) of the Department of Justice (DoJ) which was established earlier this month held its first meeting this afternoon (February 28). The establishment of the Steering Committee and the launch of the brand new "Rule of Law Education Train-the-Trainers Programme" (Programme) are among the key policy initiatives of the DoJ in the 2022 Policy Address. At the meeting, Mr Lam expressed his gratitude to the representatives from the relevant bureaux, the judicial and legal sectors as well as the law schools for joining the Steering Committee to advise and assist on the co-ordination and collaboration of the relevant work on the promotion of rule of law education in Hong Kong. At the meeting, the terms of reference of the Steering Committee and the preliminary framework of the Programme were discussed and endorsed. The Steering Committee agreed that two working groups, to be chaired respectively by the Non-Permanent Judge of the Court of Final Appeal, Mr Justice Patrick Chan, and Legislative Council member Ms Carmen Kan, should be set up under the Steering Committee to follow up on the design of the Programme's curriculum and teaching materials, as well as the relevant co-ordination and collaboration work. The curriculum and teaching materials of the Programme will be developed with a focus on the rule of law. Fundamental topics related to Hong Kong's rule of law and legal system under the principle of "one country, two systems", covering the Constitution, the Basic Law, the Hong Kong National Security Law, the Mainland's legal system and the basic elements of Hong Kong's common law system, will be taught in an easy-to-understand manner. The Programme aims to train "trainers" in various sectors of the community and enhance their capability of and effectiveness in passing on correct messages of the rule of law to others through their diversified community works and different roles in the community, thereby promoting rule of law education on all fronts. Mr Lam said the Steering Committee would spare no effort to take forward and launch the Programme as soon as possible, aiming to promote consistent and correct messages on the rule of law in different sectors of the community, so as to foster the general public's self-consciousness to uphold the rule of law and jointly tell good stories of Hong Kong's rule of law. The membership and terms of reference of the Steering Committee are set out in the appendices. Ends/Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:12 NNNN
Appointments to Law Reform Commission
28.2.2023

The following is issued on behalf of the Law Reform Commission: The Law Reform Commission (LRC) today (February 28) announced that Professor Alexander Loke has been appointed by the Chief Executive as a new member of the LRC for three years with effect from March 1, 2023. Professor Loke, who currently teaches at the School of Law of City University of Hong Kong, will succeed Professor Tan Cheng-han, who has completed his three-year term as an LRC member. Specialising in the laws of contract, company and securities, Professor Loke was also the founding chief editor of the Asian Journal of Comparative Law. The LRC believes that his appointment will further strengthen the academic credentials of the Commission. In addition, Ms May Chan Suk-mei and Professor Lutz-Christian Wolff have been reappointed by the Chief Executive as members of the LRC for a second three-year term with effect from March 1, 2023. Ms Chan is a seasoned journalist who is now the Chairperson of the Executive Committee of the Journalism Education Foundation. Professor Wolff is the Dean of the Faculty of Law of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Focusing on international and Chinese business law, he has practised and carried out research in multiple jurisdictions. Ms Chan and Professor Wolff were first appointed to the LRC on March 1, 2020. The LRC believes that Ms Chan's vast media experience and Professor Wolff's legal expertise will continue to stand the LRC in good stead in the area of law reform. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, who is also the Chairman of the LRC, expressed his appreciation to Professor Tan, Ms Chan and Professor Wolff for their valuable contributions to the LRC's work over the past three years. With these latest appointments, the LRC comprises the following members: Secretary for Justice (Chairman) Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal (ex officio member) Law Draftsman (ex officio member) Mr Justice Johnson Lam Man-hon Ms Winnie Tam Wan-chi, SC Ms May Chan Suk-mei Professor Lutz-Christian Wolff Professor Fu Hualing Mr Stephen Hung Wan-shun Mrs Janice Choi Kwan Wing-kum Mr Chan Chak-ming Mrs Margaret Leung Ko May-yee Professor Alexander Loke Ends/Tuesday, February 28, 2023 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
Transcript of remarks by DSJ and SCED after Ante Chamber exchange session (with photos)
15.2.2023

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, met the media with the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; and the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, after attending the Ante Chamber exchange session at the Legislative Council this morning (February 15). Following is the transcript of remarks: Reporter: Firstly, about the announcement of the requirements on national education, national identity and national security programmes every week on radio and television stations, do the television and radio stations need to have these shows in any particular formats or placed in any particular programmes? How will the Government measure compliance? Also, on the suspension of the Cable TV's pay TV licence, is the Government worried that its closure will affect the scope of competition in the sector? Lastly on Article 23, Secretary Cheung has mentioned that the justice department is working full speed ahead towards the Article 23 legislation. Can you elaborate a little bit more on what that means? Does that mean the Government is actually very close to pushing the Article 23 legislation as per the constitutional requirement? Thank you. Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: Thank you for the question. Regarding the termination of the pay TV service by i-Cable, it is clearly a commercial decision. It is all according to the market requirement and for the time being, there is still a pay TV licensee available in the market. Regarding the requirement for promoting national security, (national education and national identity), it is a general licensing requirement, and it is subject to the broadcasting companies to come up with their individual programmes. According to the licensing requirement, we can have a very close monitoring on the delivery and we will review from time to time. Deputy Secretary for Justice: As regards Article 23, you must be aware that the Chief Executive has made it clear in the past and yesterday that the position of the Government remains unchanged. We will work hard on the preparation work of Article 23 as soon as possible, closely following the directions and decisions of the Chief Executive. Reporter: A follow-up on Cable TV. With less competition, is it harmful for the pay TV market or the media market in general? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think the market itself will tell whether the pay TV market is necessary, and the whole broadcasting landscape has changed from time to time, so it is all subject to commercial decisions for them to continue or terminate their services. Reporter: But is it affecting competition or the media landscape in general? Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development: I think the market is very open, and there is always a chance for people who are interested to get into the pay TV market. There is no restriction at all. (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.) Ends/Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Issued at HKT 15:05 NNNN
SJ strongly condemns any violent acts intended to disrupt due administration of justice
8.2.2023

In response to the report of suspected criminal damages to the West Kowloon Law Courts Building today (February 8), the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, issued the following statement: I am immensely concerned about the incident, and strongly condemn any violent acts intended to disrupt or damage the due administration of justice. In Hong Kong, where the rule of law is upheld, no act of violent attack or intimidation, which is against the courts or judicial officers, will be tolerated. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will seriously pursue any offender who disrupts social order and undermines the rule of law, and will spare no effort in bringing the culprit to justice. I am confident that the due administration of justice will be maintained and stay unaffected. Ends/Wednesday, February 8, 2023 Issued at HKT 21:44 NNNN
Courts adjudicate cases independently in accordance with law
7.2.2023

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (February 7) strongly disapproved and firmly rejected the scandalising of the criminal justice process of the HKSAR, including cases concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, by some groups and members of the United States Congress. As guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights, all defendants charged with a criminal offence have the right to and will undergo a fair trial by the judiciary. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or background of the persons involved. The Hong Kong judicial system has always been highly regarded by the international communities. Article 85 of the Basic Law guarantees that the courts of the HKSAR shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. Any attempt to interfere with the judicial proceedings of the HKSAR is a blatant act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong. Ends/Tuesday, February 7, 2023 Issued at HKT 20:54 NNNN
DoJ's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Task Force holds first meeting (with photos)
18.1.2023

The Department of Justice's Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) Task Force, as announced by the Chief Executive in his Policy Address, was established earlier this month, and held its first meeting this morning (January 18). The directions for the work on further enhancing the convenience and benefit for the people in the GBA and facilitating the development and construction of the GBA were discussed at the meeting. Before the meeting commenced, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, briefly met with the Task Force members to thank them for agreeing to serve as members of the Task Force and tender their invaluable advice. Mr Lam highlighted that the establishment of the Task Force was one of the initiatives in the 2022 Policy Address to dovetail with the national strategies to create strong impetus for growth. He hoped that the work of the Task Force can enhance interactions among the people and businesses in the GBA, and facilitate their better access to legal and dispute resolution services, which in turn will create more room for development for the sectors in Hong Kong, and contribute to the enhancement of the rule of law in the GBA. As the Chairperson of the Task Force, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, then gave a brief introduction on the initial work directions, including: (1) Enhancing the convergence of legal practices; (2) Advancing the practice of mutual legal assistance, such as the implementation of the arrangements on mutual legal assistance in civil and commercial matters; and (3) Promoting the development of online dispute resolution and the application of lawtech. He pointed out that the three work directions are aiming to provide further convenience and benefits to people, enabling the GBA to fully capitalise on its unique advantages of "one country, two systems and three jurisdictions". The Task Force will strengthen its communication with stakeholders, including legal professional bodies and relevant sectors, and is planning to visit other GBA cities to proactively promote the high value-added development of the GBA. Mr Cheung also expressed his gratitude to the members of the Task Force, who are leaders from various areas including the legal and business sectors and academia, as well as representatives of Hong Kong residents in the Mainland. He said he firmly believes that they would provide wise counsel to the work of the Task Force and assist in the development of the GBA. Ends/Wednesday, January 18, 2023 Issued at HKT 19:50 NNNN