A leaflet on the protection of freedom of speech in relation to the government's proposals to implement Article 23 of the Basic Law (BL23) has been published, according to a spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government Tuesday.
This is the third of a series of leaflets the SAR government has published to explain the legislative proposals on BL23 in a more concise fashion while the consultation exercise is underway.
"Under the proposals, the proposed offense of 'sedition' is in fact based on the existing common law offense of 'incitement'. The scope of the criminal law has not been expanded. The offense is also in full compliance with the protection of freedom of speech as stipulated in the Basic Law," the spokesman said.
The leaflet, printed in both English and Chinese, can be obtained from the Public Inquiry Service Centers of the District Offices. It can also be downloaded from the Security Bureau website.
"The government welcomes views on the proposals to implement BL23 and will take into account all opinions expressed during the public consultation period before formulating the draft legislation," the spokesman said.
The consultation period will end on December 24.
(Xinhua News Agency December 11, 2002)
