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PS/Lord Caithness
I submit a draft reply
Gill cogan.
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Mr Richard Ryder MP
House of Commons
Mi
Paul
London
SW1A OAA
CIVIL LIBERTIES IN HONG KONG
Thank you for your letter of 30 October enclosing one
from your constituent, Mr J Watts of "Sarona", Norwich Road,
Salhouse, Nr Norwich, Norfolk, NR13 6QF, about the
prosecution of certain individuals under the Summary
Offences Ordinance.
The cases referred to in Mr Watts' letter are under
appeal and therefore subjudice. It would not be appropriate
for me to comment on their particular circumstances.
Nevertheless, the laws under which charges have been
brought are the laws of the Hong Kong Government. The
decision to prosecute was taken by the Hong Kong Attorney
General. It must be for the Hong Kong Government to handle
these cases as they see fit, in accordance with Hong Kong
law.
Mr Watts also mentioned the question of human rights
with regard to the Summary Offences Ordinance. The Hong
Kong Government are currently reviewing all existing
legislation to ensure that it is compatible with the
provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and
FIQAAY/1
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