National security law: Hong Kong justice chief says city will not succumb to interference from mainland authorities
- Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng says her department will make independent prosecutorial decisions under law proposed by Beijing
- She adds that people should not be too worried as the lawful rights of Hongkongers will be protected by the legislation
Hong Kong’s justice minister has given a public assurance that her department will make independent prosecutorial decisions under the new national security law Beijing is imposing on the city, and promised to remain free of any interference from authorities in mainland China.
Secretary for Justice Teresa Cheng Yeuk-wah made the vow as Beijing’s top representative in the city met local delegates to the country’s highest legislature and political advisory body on Saturday afternoon, and reported that the group had reflected support for the bill from the “vast majority” of Hongkongers.
Cheng also said her department would vet any evidence from mainland enforcement agencies in accordance with standard court procedures for cases involving alleged violations of the impending legislation.
“Criminal prosecution in Hong Kong will definitely be managed chiefly by the Department of Justice, without interference,” she said on a radio programme.
The additional assurances came after she told the Post in an earlier interview that any decision to prosecute suspects under the new law that Beijing is tailor-making for Hong Kong would rest with the city’s Department of Justice, instead of its mainland Chinese counterpart.
Citing Article 63 of the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution, Cheng said her department was responsible for all criminal prosecutions without any interference.
