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Ban of Hong Kong separatist party was on ‘compelling’ grounds and proportionate to risks: security minister John Lee

The Post has obtained Lee’s 20-page letter to the legal teams of Hong Kong National Party convenor Andy Chan Ho-tin and spokesman Jason Chow Ho-fai. In it the minister attempts to justify his unprecedented decision to outlaw a political party

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Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu announces his decision on Monday. Photo: Sam Tsang

The government officially banned the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party on Monday, making it the first political party to be declared unlawful under the Societies Ordinance.

Secretary for Security John Lee Ka-chiu said there was “a compelling case to take preventive action”, describing the ban as “necessary and proportional” in the interests of national security, public safety and order, and the protection of the rights and freedoms of others.

The Post obtained Lee’s 20-page letter to the legal teams of party convenor Andy Chan Ho-tin and spokesman Jason Chow Ho-fai, in which Lee rebutted their defence and explained the reasoning behind his decision. Here is a summary of the arguments from the officer recommending the ban, the assistant societies officer (ASO), the response from the party (HKNP), and Lee’s position.

Hong Kong National Party convenor Andy Chan Ho-tin. Photo: Winson Wong
Hong Kong National Party convenor Andy Chan Ho-tin. Photo: Winson Wong

In the interest of national security

ASO: The HKNP was set up with the clear goal of an independent Hong Kong, in “blatant violation” of the Basic Law, whose Article 1 states that Hong Kong is an inalienable part of China.

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