SUMMARY OF VIEWS OF URBAN COUNCILLORS
ON THE INDIVIDUAL OPTIONS
Annex H
Use of one-way viewers, omission of witness' address in witness' statements
and protection of witnesses by the Police
The Council agreed that witnesses should be better protected by the new procedures which would remove the fear of retaliation. One Councillor
believed that there were connections between triads
and police officers and gained some support for a proposal to establish a body independent of the Police to tackle the triad problem. Councillors also
suggested
(a) the public should be educated to be
more civic-minded; and
(b)
a police "hotline" should be set up so that people reporting triads and their
activities would not be victimised.
Amendments to the Societies Ordinance,
Cap 151 (Increase in maximum fines and
amendments to Sections 20 and 22)
2
Most speakers supported heavier fines and harsher penalties for triads. Longer prison sentences, deportation and the death penalty were also suggested. Some did not agree to the amendments to sections 20 and 22 of the Societies Ordinance as they would contradict the traditional judicial system and would infringe on civil rights and individual
liberty.