Clearwisdom HomeNews & Media ReportsOpen ForumPractitioners' InsightsTruth Clarification
About Falun EmblemFalun Dafa WorldwidePersonal CultivationFa-Rectification StoriesScientific Findings
Welcome Note...
 
To Fellow Practitioners
on September 7
 
Article Selections
Articles with Master's Comments
Cultivation Within Fa Rectification
Righteous Beliefs and Actions
Exposing the Crimes of Jiang Zemin
Sending Forth Righteous Thoughts
Audio: Sending Forth Righteous Thoughts Formulas
Staged Tragedy: Tiananmen Self-Immolation
Prophecies
Announcements
 
Recognition & Support
Worldwide Support
Awards and Recognition
 
Photo Archive
Clearwisdom Photo Sitemap
Journey of Falun Dafa
Evidence of Persecution
 
The Persecution
513 Practitioners Killed in Persecution
SOS! Urgent Rescue
Latest News from China
Eye Witness Accounts
Solemn Declarations
Evil Deeds Provoke Retribution
How to Help
 
Download Materials
Flyers & Handouts
Publications
Information Packages
Audio/Video
Links to Other Libraries
 
Important Links
FalunDafa.org
FalunInfo.net
PureInsight.org
ClearHarmony.net
PureAwakening.net
Falun Dafa Australia Information Centre
SOS! Global RescueWalk
Friends of Falun Gong
FGM TV
 
Contact Us
Editor
Web Team
Submissions Welcome
Daily Posting Subscription
Clearwisdom Fax
 
Search - Help
  
Advanced Search
 
AFP: US calls for transparency amid Hong Kong subversion debate

Nov 21, 2002

(Clearwisdom) WASHINGTON - The United States on Thursday called for a "predictable, transparent and fair" system in Hong Kong, in a critique of a proposed anti-subversion law that critics have warned could have a chilling effect on freedom of expression.

"We have been carefully following the debate on Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Hong Kong people and the international community have raised serious concerns about the proposed legislation," State Department deputy spokesman Philip Reeker said.

The controversial legislation -- which opponents say is being rammed through at China's behest -- is due to be enacted after a three-month consultation exercise ends December 24.

[...]

Human-rights and pro-democracy groups fear that China could use the new law to suppress freedoms including those of media, speech and religion, as well as to ban groups it considers a threat.

Reeker said Washington had been encouraged that Hong Kong had listened to criticism of the proposed law and said the United States joined other states in encouraging a predictable, transparent and fair system in Hong Kong to allow its people to enjoy the freedoms that had made the former British colony a "international city with its own unique character."

But he said that ultimately a "democratically elected government, answerable to the will of the people, is the best way to ensure the protection of fundamental freedoms in Hong Kong."

The World Association of Newspapers on Wednesday expressed vehement opposition to Hong Kong's proposed anti-subversion law and warned it could have a "chilling" effect on freedom of expression.

In letters to Hong Kong Chief Executive Tung Chee-hwa and Security Secretary Regina Ip, the Paris-based association said residents and news organisations in the territory could be strictly muzzled by the proposal.

The regulations "will give excessive weight to national security at the expense of civil liberties, especially press freedom and freedom of speech," the group said.

http://www.ptd.net/webnews/wed/bb/Qus-hongkong-subversion.R3Ox_CNM.html

Posting date: 11/23/2002
Original article date: 11/23/2002
Category: News & Media Reports

 Yearly Archive  Printer Version


We welcome your comments and suggestions, please email:
feedback@clearwisdom.net


Related Articles