HONG KONG(AFP) – At least 12,000 demonstrators marched to the Hong
Kong government headquarters Sunday to express anger at proposed security
laws that critics say will severely undermine fundamental freedoms in the
city.
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| HONG KONG, CHINA, 15-DEC-2002: Protesters hold posters reading “Don’t want article 23″ during a demonstration in Hong Kong, December 15, 2002. At least 12,000 demonstrators marched to the Hong government headquarters December 15 to express anger at proposed security laws that critics say will severley undermine fundamental freedoms in the city. [Photo copyright 2002 by AFP and ClariNet] |
A coalition comprised of more than 40 pro-democracy, religious and human
rights groups held the rally to denounce planned anti-subversion laws while
others hoped to pressure authorities to issue a white bill detailing the new
legislation.
The protesters chanted slogans and waved black balloons and banners carrying
the words “Don’t want Article 23” as they marched from Victoria Park to
deliver a petition at government offices in the business district of
Central.
It was the largest protest so far against the controversial legislation.
Organisers put the attendance at 25,000 while police said 12,000 joined the
march.
“The large number of protesters here shows that many people oppose these
laws which we believe are unnecessary at this time,” said Jackie Hung of the
Justice and Peace Commission, a co-organiser of the demonstration.
The government later issued a statement denying the legislation would curb
freedoms.
“The way of life, the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents,
including freedom of speech, will not be affected by legislation to
implement Article 23 of the Basic Law,” the statement said.
“We note that different views have been expressed over the Government’s
proposals. We welcome the expression of opinions and are sensitive to
people’s concerns.”
Article 23 of the Basic Law, the mini-constitution of the former British
colony since it reverted to Chinese sovereignty in 1997, obliges Hong Kong
to pass laws banning treason, sedition, subversion and theft of state
secrets.
But there has been an outpouring of concern that the proposed new laws could
curtail freedoms in the territory.
“We need to have a democratic system of government in place, with adequate
checks and balances before we even consider discussing Article 23,” Hung
insisted.
Many politicians in the territory are not directly elected but simply
handpicked or voted in by small election committees, she noted.
The Basic Law also states that full democracy in the former British colony
be introduced by 2007.
Prominent pro-democracy legislator Lee Cheuk-yan said: “We are totally
against Article 23 because we believe it is restrictive of freedoms and
human rights that we currently enjoy here.
“We do not want to see a security law belonging to China introduced in Hong
Kong because state security in China means suppression of the freedom of
Chinese citizens so that they cannot even express themselves without fear,”
he said.
“We want the government to back down from implementing Article 23
completely, or if not, then at least to not push the law through in such a
rash way and in such a hurry. There should be more consultation and a white
bill to allow for more discussion.”
The government has issued only a vague outline of the laws and many groups
have urged the territory to release a white paper providing all the details.
The legislation is due to be enacted after a three-month consultation
exercise ends December 24.
Hong Kong’s outspoken Catholic, Bishop Joseph Zen, lead a prayer meeting
before the march.
Meanwhile Solicitor General Bob Allcock said the laws would probably be
reviewed before they are enacted.
Allcock added in a statement broadcast on local radio that concerns
expressed from all groups so far had been noted by the government.
Security Secretary Regina Ip said last week it was hoped the analysis of
public submissions could be completed by end-January so the bill could be
submitted to the Legislative Council, the lawmaking body, in February.
International human rights and press groups last Tuesday condemned the
planned legislation, charging it would jeopardise fundamental freedoms in
the territory.
Last week, a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Transition Project, an
academic-led group which monitors the effects of the handover from British
to Chinese rule in the territory, found the proposed security laws had
raised fears about personal freedoms to their highest levels since 1997.
Some 10 percent of respondents said they were “very worried” about personal
freedom compared to five percent three months earlier, while 70 percent
called for the publication of a white bill.
http://www.ptd.net/webnews/wed/cq/Qhongkong-subversion.Rfeo_CDF.html
Posting date: 17/Dec/2002
Original article date: 15/Dec/2002
Category: Media Reports
