HONG
KONG
MAY 22ND
STANDARD.
73.
X Million signatures campaign to hang
the killers wins massive backing
LEADERS IN BID TO KEEP THE NOOSE
CHINESE community leaders yesterday launched one of the biggest mass movements in Hongkong's history aimed at keeping the death sentence for
murderers.
One hundred and twenty civic bodies attended a rally at which they voted unanimously in favour of a Million Signature Campaign to retain capital punishment.
The petition, originally proposed by Urban Councillor and kaifong leader
MI Wong Shin-cheuck, is intended by the leaders to be part of the Government's Fight Violent Crime Campaign.
Enthusiastic support was voiced by heads of kaifong associations, clansmen's bodies and commercial organisations and standing committee WHS formed to work for a start early next month.
#
"- very aware of the accelerating rate :of crime and violence in our Esociety,” MF Wòng naid,“ –
one of us is well
He praised the Goverment for its determination to restore law and order by using capital punishment the
as
ultunate deterrent.
"I feel strongly that the time has come for us to work in close collaboration with the Government to combat the rising crime rate," he said.
Mr Wong referred to the
granted reprieve
convicted killer Iso Kwok-cheong last week after 71 Leading Hongkong residents sent
#
letter to Foreign Secretary Sh
Alec
MAJORITY
"It is our view that as long as the Queen and the British authorities are kept fully informed of public'opinion on the matter Her Majesty will decide on the issue with the interests of the great mapority of people in Hongkong al heart,” Mr Wong said.
He called on all the people of Hongkong to respond to the Million Signature Campaign. The bid to retain capital punishment and the anti-crime campaign were “mafters at the
"he sod
11:
1
stages.
will have tom
a
Formation of broadly-based committee including as many types of organisation from The community as possible.
* Sending out a million questionnaires to as ntany people
Hongkong possible.
in
AN
• Once there is a sufficient indication of public opinion, preparing a petition to the supporting their decision not to reprieve murderers who are sentencal to death.
authorities Douglas-Home pleading.
the
for his life to be spared.
Mr Wong describal result as "regrettable", because "capital punishment has never been repealed in Hongkong.”
• If necessary, petitioning the Queen.