}
CHINA
MAY 17H
73
Laws to beat
crime will
get nod
HONGKONG'S controversial anti-crime laws are almost
certain to get clear passage through the Legislative Council – despite strong opposition from legal circles.
Almost all unofficial Legco members are fully behind the tough measures included in the Bills due for their first reading on May 23.
Unofficials are expected to ask for the debate on the Bill to be adjourned so they can have more time to study the
contents.
But litle or no opposition is expected according to unofficials contacted by the MAIL.
Capital
But because of the importance of the Bill more time will be taken by the unofficials to study the proposals.
The Bills are not expected to become law for at least another month.
Senior unofficial member P. C. Woo said of recent Bar Association criticisms over the question of legal aid because of the new measures!
"Not everybody is entitled to legal aid anyway.
"There must be a case before legal aid can be granted."
The Bar Association had recently lashed out at the fight - crime measures saying many people will be losing out on legal aid because magistrates will be given the power to sentence up to four years imprisonment.
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