The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force, based on Article 43 of the National Security Law, wrote to the standing committee of Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (Alliance), requesting them to submit to the Commissioner of Police a variety of information, including a list of members and staff since its establishment, the income and expenditure from 2014 to the present, as well as activities and communication content with various organizations, by Sept. 7. However, Vice-Chairman of the Alliance, Chow Hang-tung, said in a press conference today (Sept. 5) that she would not submit any information to National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force.
The Hong Kong Police then reiterate that failing to provide information in time will be liable to a fine of HK$100,000 and to imprisonment for half year. If any information provided is false, incorrect, or incomplete, the person who has provided the information is liable to a fine of HK$100,000 and to imprisonment for two years.
Police noticed an organisation openly expressed that it will not follow the above legal requirement. Police stressed follow up actions will be taken in accordance with the law should any person or organisation fail to follow the requirement.
The Security Bureau then issued a statement and noticed that an organisation stated openly its intention to refuse to comply with the Police's requirement to provide information under Schedule 5 of the Implementation Rules under the Hong Kong National Security Law. The Bureau gave its solemn warning in this regard.
Endangering national security is a very serious crime. The damage is serious. Action must be taken to prevent and suppress the act. In order to effectively prevent and suppress offences endangering national security, law enforcement officers need to obtain relevant information about certain foreign or Taiwan political organisations and foreign or Taiwan agents.
The Security Bureau reiterates that law enforcement actions taken by law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law, for the acts of the persons or entities concerned. The Security Bureau supports the Hong Kong Police Force in taking law enforcement actions in accordance with the law.
The Security Bureau spokesman said, "Schedule 5 of the Implementation Rules already stipulates the outcome of not complying with the requirement to provide information, including fine and imprisonment. The law enforcement department will no doubt follow up according to the law in case there are any violations of the law. To avoid bearing the legal risk, the organisation concerned should immediately turn back before it is too late."
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