TNAG-2084-FCO40-2969-Death-penalty-in-Hong-Kong-1990 — Page 30

IF WE ARE PREPARED TO ABOLISH THE DEATH PENALTY IN THE

UK, WHY ARE WE NOT PREPARED TO DO THE SAME FOR HONG

KONG?

- In view of the high degree of autonomy promised to

Hong-Kong under the Joint Declaration, it is most

important that this kind of issue should be resolved

within the territory and not imposed from outside.

WILL THE DEATH PENALTY STILL EXIST WHEN THE BILL OF

RIGHTS IS ENACTED?

Yes. The Bill of Rights only provides legal safeguards in respect of persons who are charged with

capital offences, such as guaranteeing rights of appeal

and ensuring that executions are not carried out in

respect of children and pregnant women.

JL4AAM/2

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