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A spokesman for the Marine Department said today (February 28) that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) decided to apply to cancel the summons issued by the Marine Department against Mr Lo Hom-chau, as he believes it is not in the public interest to prosecute Mr Lo.
A letter was issued by the DPP to Mr Lo confirming the decision and stressing that he should abide by the law in future and failure to comply with the provisions of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (Cap. 548) in relation to the maintenance and use of sea vessels may result in him being subject to criminal liability. At the same time, a similar warning letter was also issued to Mr Yang Kuang.
On February 14, 2013, the Marine Department issued a summons against Mr Lo for an offence under sections 64(1)(a) and 64(8) of the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance (Cap. 548) in relation to leaving Hong Kong on August 12, 2012, and disregarding the condition of the sea vessel and directions to stop it. The summons was cancelled by the Eastern Magistrates' Courts on February 27, 2013.
The spokesman emphasised that the right to demonstrate and freedom of expression are protected and provided for by the law. However, members of the public must act in accordance with the law including the relevant legal requirements for the maintenance and use of vessels at sea.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:23
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