Following is the transcript of remarks by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, at a media session on the verdict delivered by the Court of First Instance on the conspiracy to commit subversion case this afternoon (May 30):
Reporter: First, before the verdict this morning, the Police arrested four activists from the League of Social Democrats outside the West Kowloon court, including the wife of one of the defendants. They have not started their protest yet, so why were they taken away? Second, the Police have granted bail to five people in the Chow Hang-tung case. Is it a sign that the evidence is not strong enough for formal charges?
Secretary for Security: Regarding your first question, I understand that outside the courtroom, there were several people causing nuisance and conducting disorderly conduct and they were being arrested. For the second question, I understand that out of the seven people we have arrested, five were bailed out, one is still under detention for investigation while the remaining one is still being remanded in the institution in connection with other cases. Active investigations are still ongoing.
Reporter: What does the Government think of the significances of this verdict today by the court? Do you think the Government has achieved the major victory in this regard? And what does it think of the acquittal of the two defendants of this case? Secondly, what does the Government think of the criticisms by the EU, the governments of Australia, the United Kingdom, the US and other NGOs towards the verdict, particularly about the erosion of human rights and political freedoms in the city? Is it afraid of any sanctions or retaliations?
Secretary for Security: First of all, there is no winner out of this case. This is a very sad story that some Hong Kong people are trying to conduct subversion in Hong Kong. I think it is good that we are able to interdict their plot, so that Hong Kong citizens will not suffer and Hong Kong can now resume to a normal stage. Regarding those comments by the external forces, as I said, during the whole hearing period, there are different external forces that are trying to smear the Judiciary, the Department of Justice and also the law enforcement (agencies). Actually they are conducting their duties faithfully and I am proud of our court. I am proud of the Department of Justice staff and our law enforcement officers. I think they are the pride of Hong Kong.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
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