(Clearwisdom.net)
December 18, 2002
Security Bureau
6th Floor, East Wing
Central Government Office
Lower Albert Road
Central Hong Kong
Attention: Mrs. Regina Ip, AS(F)2, F Division
Dear Mrs. Ip:
Re: Article 23
On behalf of the 46,000 members of the HEU, I am writing in opposition to
the "Article 23" legislation being proposed by the Hong Kong government.
This controversial new law appears to have been written under direct
pressure from Mainland China. It is far more restrictive and severe than
required by the Basic Law, and could be used to force Hong Kong to ban any
organization determined by China to be a national security risk.
As you know, China severely restricts its media, bans membership in trade
and many organizations such as the Falun Gong, and would likely use Article 23
to extend similar prohibitions to the citizens of Hong Kong. These intrusions
into Hong Kong's political autonomy violate the "one country, two systems"
principle and basic democratic rights and freedoms.
We strongly urge your government to significantly amend Article 23 to
prevent Hong Kong's civil liberties, in particular its autonomy in determining
the legal status of organizations in Hong Kong; the freedom of press; the
freedom of association and expression; and the freedom of assembly.
Yours sincerely,
Fred Muzin
President
Cc: Provincial Executive
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