TNAG-2005-FCO40-2853-Hong-Kong-political-parties-1990 — Page 45

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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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