TNAG-2084-FCO40-2969-Death-penalty-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 29

THE DEATH PENALTY IN HONG KONG

A: PRESENT PRACTICE AND ATTITUDES

IF THE DEATH PENALTY IS NO LONGER APPLIED, WHY KEEP IT

ON THE STATUTE BOOK?

- Present arrangements have worked well in practice. They are widely understood in Hong Kong. To change them would cause unnecessary controversy.

PUBLIC OPINION IN HONG KONG IS MOVING IN FAVOUR OF

ABOLITION OF DEATH PENALTY?

-

No.

A majority of people in Hong Kong favours retaining the death penalty even beyond 1997. A

-

recent opinion poll (published on 13 November) showed

71% in favour of retaining it for convicted murderers,

slightly higher than the last survey in 1986.

A MAJORITY OF LEGCO MEMBERS FAVOUR ABOLISHING THE DEATH

PENALTY?

—

No. In a recent poll only 17 out of a total of 58

said that they favoured abolition.

JLAAAM/1