kakase/hk_gov_press_release huggingface dataset:
HKSAR Government expresses strong disapproval of remarks by spokesperson for United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights about court case under National Security Law
13.10.2022

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (October 13) expressed strong disapproval of the recent remarks by a spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights about the Hong Kong court's reasons for sentence delivered on October 8 in regard to a case of conspiracy to incite the commission by other persons of the offence of subversion under the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR (National Security Law). A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government said that as the legal proceedings of the case are yet to be completed, it would not be appropriate to comment on the details of the case. On the National Security Law, the HKSAR Government spokesperson stressed, "Human rights and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights are enshrined in the National Security Law, with an emphasis placed on the fact that principles of human rights protection must be observed when safeguarding national security. In particular, Article 4 of the National Security Law provides that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR, and Article 5 of the National Security Law affirms adherence to the principle of the rule of law while enforcing the law against offences endangering national security. The Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal has pointed out that these two Articles are centrally important to the interpretation of the National Security Law generally. "In fact, the National Security Law was enacted to restore the enjoyment of rights and freedoms that people in Hong Kong had been unable to enjoy during the period of serious violence between June 2019 and early 2020. The National Security Law has indeed achieved the intended effect, and has swiftly and effectively restored stability and security." Ends/Thursday, October 13, 2022 Issued at HKT 20:21 NNNN
Application period for Legal Talent Recruitment Scheme (Trainee Solicitors) 2022 to be extended
6.10.2022

The Department of Justice (DoJ) announced today (October 6) that the deadline for application for the Legal Talent Recruitment Scheme (Trainee Solicitors) 2022, launched by the DoJ and the Law Society of Hong Kong (LawSoc) in April this year, will be extended to February 28, 2023, to allow more time for eligible law firms to prepare their applications. Funded by the Anti-epidemic Fund, the Scheme provides a monthly salary subsidy of $6,800 for a maximum of 12 months to each eligible law firm for one newly created job opening for a trainee solicitor, with up to 130 new job openings for trainee solicitors in total. The Scheme will create more job opportunities for the legal sector, and ensure a steady and sufficient supply of legal talent. The LawSoc is responsible for administering the Scheme, including processing and assessing the applications, as well as arranging disbursement of the subsidy. The application form and the guidance notes are available at the LawSoc's website . Ends/Thursday, October 6, 2022 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN
Legal Officers Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2022 gazetted
30.9.2022

The Legal Officers Ordinance (Amendment of Schedule 1) Order 2022 (Amendment Order) was gazetted today (September 30). The Amendment Order will substitute the list of legal officers under "Department of Justice" in Schedule 1 to the Legal Officers Ordinance (Chapter 87). The rank of the Deputy Secretary for Justice (DSJ) will be added while the list will be streamlined to include the ranks but not the posts of legal officers in the department. The amendments are technical in nature. Following the reorganisation of the government structure for the sixth-term Government, the DSJ was appointed on July 1, 2022. In order to put beyond doubt that the DSJ is able to exercise the full range of rights of both a barrister and a solicitor under the provisions of the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Chapter 159) and is a legal officer whom the Secretary for Justice may authorise to exercise and discharge rights and duties as appropriate, it is necessary to amend Schedule 1 to include the DSJ in the list of legal officers under "Department of Justice". In addition, the current list of legal officers under "Department of Justice" in Schedule 1 making reference to both the ranks and some of the posts of legal officers will be streamlined to include the ranks but not the posts of legal officers in the department. It will be consistent with the lists of legal officers of other departments in the same Schedule, and minimise the need for amendments if there are any changes to the titles of specific posts of the legal officers of the department. The Amendment Order will be tabled before the Legislative Council on October 19, 2022, for negative vetting, and will come into operation on December 9, 2022. Ends/Friday, September 30, 2022 Issued at HKT 11:00 NNNN
DSJ tests positive for COVID-19
2.9.2022

A spokesman for the Department of Justice said today (September 2) that the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, has tested positive in a COVID-19 nucleic acid test. He is undergoing isolation in accordance with the guidelines of the Centre for Health Protection of the Department of Health. Mr Cheung last went to work yesterday (September 1). He wore masks and followed relevant disease prevention measures at work, including conducting daily rapid antigen tests. He has no recent travel history. The spokesman said that thorough cleaning and disinfection operations at the office concerned will be conducted and other relevant staff members will continue to undergo COVID-19 tests. Ends/Friday, September 2, 2022 Issued at HKT 8:44 NNNN
Department of Justice's response to media enquiries
17.8.2022

In response to media enquiries on matters related to a case under the National Security Law (NSL), a spokesman for the Department of Justice (DoJ) replied as follows: One of the most fundamental principles of the criminal justice system in Hong Kong is to ensure a fair trial and uphold due administration of justice. When considering whether to issue a certificate under Article 46 of the NSL for a case to be tried without a jury, the Secretary for Justice would take into account the relevant provisions of the NSL and the individual circumstances of each case. The purpose of the relevant provisions that stipulate the arrangement for a case to be tried by a panel of three judges is precisely to ensure a fair trial and the due administration of justice. The arrangement does not undermine any legitimate rights and interests of the defendants. The DoJ does not comment on individual cases that are subject to ongoing legal proceedings. Ends/Wednesday, August 17, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:17 NNNN
Recruitment arrangement for Government Counsel applicants announced
8.8.2022

The Department of Justice today (August 8) reminded potential applicants for the post of Government Counsel (GC) that they are required to attain requisite results in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) and the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) in order to qualify for the post. The GC recruitment exercise will be conducted in mid-August this year. Applicants will be required to obtain a minimum of a Level 2 result in the Use of English (UE) paper and a Level 1 result in the Use of Chinese (UC) paper of the CRE, as well as a pass result in the BLNST. In this connection, Level 5 or above in English Language in the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination or Grade C or above in Use of English in the Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE) or Grade C or above in English Language in the General Certificate of Education (Advanced Level) are accepted as equivalent to Level 2 in the UE paper of the CRE. Furthermore, Level 4 in Chinese Language in the HKDSE Examination or Grade D in Chinese Language and Culture or Chinese Language and Literature in the HKALE are accepted as equivalent to Level 1 in the UC paper of the CRE. Other equivalent qualifications can also be found at www.csb.gov.hk/english/recruit/cre/949.html . Under exceptional circumstances a limited number of applicants who do not meet the requisite Chinese language requirement may be appointed subject to the operational needs of the department. A pass result in the BLNST is an entry requirement for the GC post. Applicants for the GC post are required to obtain a pass result in the BLNST, regardless of whether they have taken any Basic Law Test centrally conducted by the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) or individual bureaux/departments in previous recruitment exercises. Those answering at least 10 out of 20 questions correct will be deemed to have achieved a pass in the BLNST. Only those applicants who have passed the BLNST will be considered for appointment. The next CRE and BLNST will be held in Hong Kong on October 8 and 15 or another date in October if necessary. Prospective GC applicants without the requisite results in the CRE or equivalent and/or those who have not yet attained a pass in the BLNST are invited to apply from August 5 to 18 for sitting the relevant examination and/or test. Further information on the CRE and the BLNST is available on the homepage of the CSB (under the "Recruitment" section) at www.csb.gov.hk . Ends/Monday, August 8, 2022 Issued at HKT 15:00 NNNN
Prosecution Week launched to promote public awareness of criminal justice system (with photos)
3.8.2022

Prosecution Week 2022 began today (August 3) with the objective of promoting community awareness of the rule of law and the criminal justice system in Hong Kong under the theme "Administering Justice under the Rule of Law". Speaking at the event's opening ceremony, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that all prosecutorial decisions made by the Department of Justice (DoJ) are based on the law, the evidence and the Prosecution Code. Prosecutors do not consider and would not be influenced by irrelevant considerations such as political or individual interests; possible media or public reaction and personal feelings or beliefs of the prosecutors. Also speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ms Maggie Yang, stressed the importance of prosecutorial independence and pointed out that Article 63 of the Basic Law stipulated that the DoJ shall control criminal prosecutions free from any interference. She said that the DoJ's prosecutors will continue to fearlessly pursue public justice and uphold the rule of law. During the period from August 4 to 10, a host of activities including visits to the courts, briefings and mock court exercises will be arranged to enhance public understanding of criminal prosecution work. A law quiz and logo design competition for Prosecution Week were also organised. The prize presentation for both activities was held at today's ceremony. Ends/Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:14 NNNN
SJ condemns US Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi's Taiwan visit
3.8.2022

In response to the visit by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States, Nancy Pelosi, to Taiwan, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, issued the following statement today (August 3): The Constitution of the People's Republic of China is the most fundamental law of the state, forming the most important part of the constitutional order of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The Preamble of the Constitution clearly states, "Taiwan is part of the sacred territory of the People's Republic of China. It is the sacred duty of all the Chinese people, including our fellow Chinese in Taiwan, to achieve the great reunification of the motherland." Taiwan and the HKSAR are both inalienable parts of the People's Republic of China. We are outraged by, and condemn, Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, which constitutes an attempt to obstruct the great reunification of the motherland. Ends/Wednesday, August 3, 2022 Issued at HKT 0:31 NNNN
DoJ holds sessions on “Spirit of the President's Important Speech” (with photos)
29.7.2022

The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (July 29) held two sessions on "Spirit of the President's Important Speech" at Justice Place, where about 100 directorate officials attended. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, spoke at both sessions, sharing with colleagues the spirit of the important speech delivered by President Xi Jinping at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to let them have a better understanding. President Xi raised in his important speech "four musts" for the new administration: it must fully and faithfully implement the principle of "one country, two systems"; it must uphold the Central Government's overall jurisdiction while securing the HKSAR's high degree of autonomy; it must ensure that Hong Kong is administered by patriots; and it must maintain Hong Kong's distinctive status and advantages. President Xi also laid down "four proposals" for the newly inaugurated Government, i.e. further improving its governance, continuing to create strong impetus for growth, earnestly addressing people's concerns and difficulties in daily life, and working together to safeguard harmony and stability. Addressing the session, Mr Lam outlined that his working targets include promoting the proper concept of the rule of law and the actual situation in Hong Kong, as well as establishing Hong Kong as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre in the Asia-Pacific region. He added that President Xi's important speech not only provided crucial guidance on governance by the HKSAR Government in the coming five years, but also set out a high-level policy direction to achieve the two targets. Mr Lam further pointed out that the legal sector has been greatly encouraged by President Xi's explicit acknowledgement in maintaining Hong Kong's unique advantages under the common law system and his remarks on the support of the Central Government in Hong Kong's effort to maintain its distinctive status and edge, keeping the business environment free, open and regulated. Noting President Xi's remarks that the Judiciary shall exercise independent judicial power, which is a core component in the common law system, Mr Lam explained that the remarks were crucial to the maintenance of the rule of law in Hong Kong. Last but not the least, Mr Lam encouraged DoJ colleagues to grasp the core essence of President Xi's important speech and build it into their own work, as well as continue to proactively leverage Hong Kong's unique advantages under "one country, two systems" to seize the opportunities brought about by the national development, and actively dovetail with the 14th Five-Year Plan and other national strategies such as the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area to better integrate Hong Kong into the overall development of the country. Ends/Friday, July 29, 2022 Issued at HKT 17:32 NNNN
HKSAR Government vehemently condemns coercion by US CECC
21.7.2022

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 21) strongly condemned the attempt made by politicians of the United States (US) Congressional-Executive Commission on China to seek the imposition of so-called "sanctions" on prosecutors from the Department of Justice who have been fulfilling their righteous duties of administering justice independently and impartially. A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government reiterated, "Our prosecutors act strictly in accordance with a longstanding international practice that the decision to prosecute will only take into consideration the admissible evidence to justify instituting proceedings and the applicable law. "Hong Kong is governed by the rule of law where laws must be observed and lawbreakers held to account. No one is above the law. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the political beliefs or background of the persons involved. "It is trite that safeguarding national security falls within the internal affairs of a sovereign jurisdiction, and hence the implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law should be free from any intervention. The US's arbitrary and unreasonable bullying act has demonstrated disrespect for the rule of law, seriously violated international norms and grossly interfered in Hong Kong affairs and China's internal affairs at large." The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, remarked, "Any unscrupulous attempt to pressurise our prosecutors would be futile. My colleagues and I continue to stay united in discharging our constitutional duties without fear or favour." Ends/Thursday, July 21, 2022 Issued at HKT 16:43 NNNN
HKSAR Government strongly condemns US Congressional-Executive Commission on China's despicable attempt to intimidate Hong Kong prosecutors
13.7.2022

The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) today (July 13) strongly condemned the so-called "staff research report" recently published by the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China, which, once again, manifests its hegemonism by disseminating slanders and attempting to intimidate the prosecutors of the HKSAR Government. A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government said, "Under Article 63 of the Basic Law, '(t)he Department of Justice of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall control criminal prosecutions, free from any interference'. 'Interference' includes any foreign interference. Prosecutorial decisions have always been, and will continue to be, made based on the law, the evidence and the Prosecution Code - nothing more, nothing less. In Hong Kong, which faithfully upholds the rule of law, this principle applies irrespective of the nature of the criminal offence or the personal background, including political background, of the individual involved.” The spokesperson rebuked that it is most despicable for the so-called "staff research report" to name the Secretary for Justice, together with 15 prosecutors, of the HKSAR Government with a threat of imposing the so-called "sanction" on them. This is clearly trampling on legal justice and attempting to threaten by way of hegemonism the HKSAR Government officials who have been discharging their due prosecution role dutifully with justice upheld. Such gross interference in Hong Kong matters constitutes a serious violation of fundamental principles of international law. The spokesperson said, "The attempt of the United States Congressional-Executive Commission on China to repeat a lie numerous times as if it were a truth simply reflects its ill intent and amounts to nothing more than an indecent act". Officers of the Department of Justice of the HKSAR Government shall and will continue to discharge their duties faithfully, fearlessly and steadfastly in the best interests of Hong Kong. The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, reiterated that he is not concerned about being subjected to the so-called "sanction". "We will not be intimidated. I have full confidence in my colleagues and will do whatever possible to ensure that they will be able to discharge their duties at ease," he added. Ends/Wednesday, July 13, 2022 Issued at HKT 19:54 NNNN
DoJ condemns intimidation against staff member of Judiciary
5.7.2022

In response to the report of a suspicious parcel received by a staff member of the High Court today (July 5), the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, issued the following statement: ​I am deeply concerned about the incident. In Hong Kong where the rule of law is upheld, no act of intimidation or violence which is against the law or constitutes contempt of court will be tolerated. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will pursue seriously against any person who commits any such act and bring the culprit to justice in order to defend the integrity of the court, ensure the due administration of the justice and maintain public order. Ends/Tuesday, July 5, 2022 Issued at HKT 21:54 NNNN
DSJ to visit Beijing
11.6.2024

The Deputy Secretary for Justice, Mr Cheung Kwok-kwan, will depart for Beijing tomorrow (June 12) for a three-day visit. During his visit to Beijing, Mr Cheung will call on the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPCSC) and the Committee for the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the NPCSC, the Supreme People's Court, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council, the Ministry of Justice and the General Administration of Sport of China, to meet with the respective leaders and exchange views on issues including promoting Hong Kong as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region, taking forward the construction of rule of law in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and contributing to the high-quality development of the country. He will also visit the Commercial Legal Service Center of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and Peking University Law School to strengthen co-operation with relevant organisations. Mr Cheung will conclude his visit on June 14 and return to Hong Kong in the afternoon on the same day. Ends/Tuesday, June 11, 2024 Issued at HKT 18:30 NNNN
Department of Justice launches Chinese version of “Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance” and “Compendium 2024”
8.6.2024

The Department of Justice launched the English version of "Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance" in December last year, collating and summarising judgments concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law as well as sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance (Cap. 200). The Chinese version of the Annotation is launched today (June 8). The Chinese and English versions have been uploaded to and can be accessed by public at the new dedicated website www.hknslannot.gov.hk/en . The Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said, "All institutions, organisations and individuals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) have an obligation to abide by the Hong Kong National Security Law and local laws for safeguarding national security. This body of case-law helps us understand the requirements of our national security laws and how they are being applied by the courts." He expressed gratitude to Professor Albert Chen for his admirable guidance and contributions, serving as the project's Honorary Consultant Editor. In addition, the Department of Justice and the Security Bureau, following the publication of the "Articles and Reference Materials on the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR" in 2021, have recently complied more than 10 speeches and articles regarding Hong Kong National Security Law or Safeguarding National Security Ordinance published by officials of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR, experts and scholars between 2022 and April 2024, as well as the important documents concerning the "Interpretation by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of Article 14 and Article 47 of the 'Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region' ", in "Compendium 2024", which is published today and uploaded to www.doj.gov.hk/en/publications/publications.html for public access. Ends/Saturday, June 8, 2024 Issued at HKT 11:48 NNNN