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The spokesman said the Bill sought to give legal backing to the key features of existing WPPs being operated by the Police and the ICAC.
The Bill also provides clear statutory powers for government officials to change the identity of a protected witness, through the issue of new documents pertaining to the identity of the witness based on fictitious information.
The spokesman said under the proposed system for the change of identity, all identification documents including those of the witness' spouse and children could be covered.
"We hope the new scheme would provide greater reassurance to protected witnesses," he said.
He explained that under the scheme, any change of identity for a witness would require approval from the Governor upon the personal recommendation by the Commissioner of Police or the Commissioner of the ICAC.
"The high level approving authority should ensure that the scheme will not be abused," he said.
To demonstrate the Government's commitment to witness protection, the spokesman said the Bill also proposed to introduce penalties to certain offences.
"The Bill proposes to make it an offence for the disclosure of any details under the WPP, including the identity of any officer involved, without lawful authority or reasonable excuse by people who have been admitted or have been assessed but refused admission to the WPP.
"It is proposed that such an offence should carry a maximum penalty of five years' imprisonment while any disclosure of information which compromises the security of the witness should be punishable on conviction to a maximum 10 years' imprisonment.
"At the same time, government officials performing functions under the WPPs are also given reassurance as they will be protected from civil or criminal liability," the spokesman said.
The Bill is expected to be introduced into the Legislative Council on July 3.
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