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Following is the transcript of remarks by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, and the Secretary for Security, Mr Lai Tung-kwok, at a media session at the ground floor lobby of the Office of the Chief Executive today (June 20):
Reporter: If Mainland authorities really do ask the SAR Government to hand over the booksellers, will you comply and also if you do, how will the SAR Government make sure that the Hong Kong residents are treated in accordance with the law?
Chief Executive: Basically the same question in the English language.
Reporter: If you do, after their handover, handed over to the Mainland, how would the Hong Kong Government make sure that they are treated or may be tried in accordance with the law? That their rights are protected?
Secretary for Security: Of course. The Police have the necessary expertise to handle all these issues. It is only under the circumstance that we are satisfied it is made in accordance with the law that we can proceed.
Reporter: What concrete steps and actions is the SAR Government going to take to investigate this and what action is the Government going to take to protect the family of Mr Lam and the other booksellers?
Chief Executive: I'll repeat what I just said in my opening remarks in English. I chaired a meeting this morning and made three decisions. One is to write to the Central Authorities to express our concern over this case. The second is to review the notification mechanism between Hong Kong and the Mainland. We believe that there﷿s room for review and possibly improvement in the notification system. Third, if necessary I shall dispatch my government colleagues to follow up on these points.
Reporter: You have already answered this in Chinese, but Mr Lam said that his consideration of his safety depends on whether the Hong Kong Government is able to adequately protect its people. Would you like to address that statement directly?
Secretary for Security: Any person in Hong Kong who has a reason of fear of his personal safety should approach the Police. The Police have established procedures to look into the case and provide all necessary assistance. This applies to everybody.
Chief Executive: I should also add that the Police has been trying to contact Mr Lam and we are waiting for his reply. Thank you.
(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)
Ends/Monday, June 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:45
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MP4 format