CONFIDENTIAL
freedom under the law to participate in protest demonstrations, no groups are above the law and all must abide by its provisions. It is true that there have not been a great number of prosecutions for loudhailer offences or for the unauthorised collection of money. But as explained in the preceding paragraph, there has been an increase in these activities in Hong Kong since last summer and a growing number of examples of the law being abused. It is certainly not true, however, that the individuals concerned were singled out for prosecution by the Hong Kong authorities. In fact, they were repeatedly warned that they were infringing the law before summons action was taken. Nor is it true that the timing of the charges was designed to dampen events commemorating the incidents of 4 June. The cases were listed for hearing in the normal way. Finally, we do not accept that Mr Ashdown is correct in asserting that the relevant laws almost certainly violate the Bill of Rights which is to be introduced in Hong Kong. The relevant provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (which the Hong Kong Bill of Rights is intended to implement) permit restrictions necessary for the protection of the rights of others and public order. Reasonable restrictions on the use of amplification equipment and public collections are consistent with this.
The cases are all either subject to appeal or still to be heard and are likely to remain sub judice for some time. We therefore recommend that the Prime Minister send a short reply to Mr Ashdown.
C D Powell Esq
10 Downing Street
levo Eve
۲۰۰
CONFIDENTIAL
(S L Gass)
Private Secretary
No comments yet.
Private notes are available after approval.