-3-
Successful applicants under the triad renunciation
scheme, whether they be formal members of triad societies or
'non-triad' renouncers, would be granted a stay of prosecution
in respect of specified offences relating to triad membership
under Sections 19 to 23 of the Societies Ordinance which
pre-date the renunciation and are disclosed in their
application. After five years, the proceedings for these
offences would lapse and the renouncer would be left with
neither a conviction nor acquittal being recorded.
During public consultation on the triad discussion
document in 1986, public reaction to the proposal for the
introduction of a scheme of triad renunciation was favourable.
A survey of prison inmates also showed that the scheme was
widely supported.
Sir, turning to the legislative proposals themselves,
le Hause 3 of the Bill introduces 13 new sections to the
Societies Ordinance.
le
Section 26A provides for the establishment of a Triad
Renunciation Tribunal which will administer the scheme.
Section 26B provides for the appointment of members of the
Tribunal by the
Governor.
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