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In response to a statement issued by the Amnesty International Hong Kong, a Government spokesman reiterated today (June 24) that the National Security (Legislative Provisions) Bill was in full accord with the "One Country, Two Systems" principle and international human rights standards.

"There is no extension of Mainland laws to Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

He said, "The Government has proposed in the Bill, not once, but three times, that all its provisions must be interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with Chapter III of the Basic Law. This mandates strict compliance with international standards on rights and freedoms, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

"The proposed law represents a liberalisation of existing laws on treason, sedition and protection of official secrets and compare favourably with similar legislation in other common law jurisdictions. Additional safeguards such as a right to jury trials for all Basic Law Article 23 offences are provided," the spokesman said.

"The Bill is now under detailed scrutiny by the Legislative Council Bills Committee. Some 110 individuals and groups have also expressed views on the Bill during the public hearing sessions. There is no question of the Bill being rushed through," the spokesman added.

End/Tuesday, June 24, 2003

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