By KEVIN TAYLOR

04.07.2003

New Zealand has joined a growing chorus of international concern over changes to Hong Kong laws critics say could endanger local freedoms and autonomy.

Foreign Minister Phil Goff said yesterday that New Zealand was urging the territory's Legislative Council to change legislation which could be passed as early as next week.

He said there were major demonstrations this week against the legislation, which implements an article of Hong Kong's Basic Law relating to national security.

Other countries, including the United States, Britain and Australia, have expressed concern.

[...]

Mr Goff said that when Hong Kong was reunified with China in 1997, it was given special status enshrined in the Basic Law's principle of one country, two systems.

"This was seen as a guarantee of the territory's autonomy and protection of human and civil rights."

But he said the legislation now before the council dealing with treason, sedition, secession and subversion could put those rights at risk.

One section of the legislation in particular was causing concern because it allowed the Hong Kong Government to proscribe or ban organisations which are banned on the Chinese mainland.

"Fears have been raised that this may lead to the banning of organisations such as Falun Gong - which is outlawed in the People's Republic of China."

Mr Goff said there were also concerns that the legislation provided no public interest defence to protect freedom of expression and the media.

"This would alleviate fears that the principle of one country, two systems is being eroded and that the freedom of association and expression may be at risk."

[...]

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?thesection=news&thesubsection=&storyID=3510887

Posting date: 7/7/2003
Original article date: 7/6/2003
Category: News & Media Reports

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