The Editor
Washington Post
Dear Editor,
We strongly oppose and condemn your misleading and inappropriate remarks in your editorial board’s piece “With new security law, Hong Kong doubles down on repression” (March 10).
As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying and the 47 individuals charged with “conspiracy to commit subversion” are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the cases. As we have reiterated repeatedly, all cases, including the subject cases, are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), including the National Security Law, and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
Your suggestion on what “the only plausible, credible verdict” should be is grossly inappropriate. Instead of respecting the exercise of independent judicial power by the HKSAR courts, your assertion is a blatant interference with the administration of justice by the courts.
You have also neglected the constitutional duty to enact the Basic Law Article 23 legislation, something which the HKSAR has not fulfilled for more than 26 years after its return to the Motherland. The Bill has stipulated that one of the fundamental principles in legislating for safeguarding national security is to respect and protect human rights, and has provided for clear elements of offence, target and scope. There are corresponding or similar provisions overseas for offences mentioned in your opinion piece.
The HKSAR will continue to resolutely discharge the responsibility of safeguarding national security, and effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities that endanger national security in accordance with the law, while safeguarding the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.
Yours faithfully,
Tang Ping-keung
Secretary for Security
The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region