Government welcomes CFA judgment on appeal of unauthorised assembly case
The Court of Final Appeal (CFA) today (August 12) unanimously dismissed the appeals of seven appellants including Lai Chee-ying arising out of their knowingly taking part in an unauthorised assembly on August 18, 2019. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government welcomes the CFA's judgment.
The CFA reiterated that the defendants' applications for leave to appeal on the ground of challenging the trial Judge's factual findings had been refused. The court also stated in its judgment that the appellants' constitutional challenges against section 17A(3)(a) of the Public Order Ordinance (Cap. 245) had failed, and they had not raised any constitutional challenge against the Commissioner of Police's decision to ban the march, and that was not to suggest that such a challenge would have succeeded as there were compelling reasons to accept that the Commissioner of Police's decision had been constitutionally sound and proportionate.
The CFA has explained and modified the legal concept of "operational proportionality", placing it in the well-established framework for constitutional challenges in this jurisdiction. In view of the differences between the respective frameworks for human rights challenges in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom (UK), the court also held that the decisions of the two UK cases should not be followed in Hong Kong, and rejected the appellants' argument that each of a defendant's arrest, prosecution, conviction and sentence must be separately justified as proportionate.
The HKSAR Government reiterated that Hong Kong citizens have the rights to peaceful assembly and procession conducted in accordance with the law. That said, these rights must be exercised in conformity with the relevant legislation to ensure the safeguarding of national security, public order, public safety and the protection of the rights and freedom of others. The impact of such public events on members of the public should also be minimised.
The HKSAR Government spokesman said, "Hong Kong residents have the obligation to abide by the laws in force in the HKSAR. Equality before the law is one of the fundamental facets of the rule of law, and all persons, regardless of race, rank, politics or religion, are subject to the laws of the land."
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" thematic event series
The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, today (April 5) officiated at the kick-off ceremony of the "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" thematic event series. The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong. To commemorate and celebrate this remarkable milestone, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) will organise and provide a series of thematic activities for young people.
Speaking at the ceremony, Miss Mak said that six decades ago, Dongjiang water was first diverted through mountains and valleys into the Hong Kong waterways, resolving the prolonged water scarcity that had plagued the city. Subsequently, the country expanded and upgraded the water supply system three times. Today, Dongjiang water accounts for over 70 per cent of Hong Kong's freshwater supply. Every drop of water carries the profound sentiments of a national commitment spanning over half a century. Through the various activities organised under the theme of "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong", the HYAB aims to enhance young people's understanding of the history of Dongjiang water supply to Hong Kong and the significant role that Dongjiang water has played in Hong Kong, enabling the youth to appreciate the substantial support rendered by the country to Hong Kong and strengthening their awareness on cherishing water resources.
The Youth Link will organise the "Exchange Tour to Guangdong Province for the 60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" (the Exchange Tour) on April 12 and 13 as the debut thematic activity. Around 80 Youth Link members will visit national major water conservancy projects and cultural and historical sites in Guangdong Province. Taking this opportunity, the HYAB will also arrange for the Youth Link members to meet and exchange with local youth and Hong Kong youth residing in the area.
Besides, the HYAB, in collaboration with the Greater Bay Area Homeland Youth Community Foundation, will lead 500 young people to visit and explore the source of the Dongjiang River at Sanbai Mountain and its surrounding regions in June this year. The HYAB will also collaborate with different youth organisations and provide funding support under the "HYAB Funding Scheme for Youth Exchange in the Mainland 2025-26" for around 30 exchange projects under the theme of "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong". The visits will cover water conservancy projects and historical and cultural sites in the Sanbai Mountain in Jiangxi Province, as well as in Dongguan, Huizhou, Heyuan in Guangdong Province, enabling the young people to learn more about the history, management and protection of the Dongjiang water engineering project, as well as the culture and history along the areas.
Miss Mak encouraged young people to seize these valuable opportunities and actively participate in relevant activities to learn more about the story of Dongjiang water and pass on the spirit of gratitude. Miss Mak expressed her hope to work with young people together in future in cherishing this precious resources which has not come easily, and create for a better tomorrow.
Other officiating guests included the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission (YDC), Mr Kenneth Leung; the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan; member of the YDC Mr John Li; and the Chairman of Dynamic Youth of Huizhou, also the collaborative partner of the Exchange Tour, Mr George Lau.Members of the YDC also attended the event.
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" thematic event series Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Home and Youth Affairs Bureau launches "60th Anniversary of Dongjiang Water Supply to Hong Kong" thematic event series Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
