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Following is a question by the Hon Yeung Sum and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, in the Legislative Council today (February 22):
Question:
More than nine months have elapsed since a veteran journalist was subject to residence under surveillance in the Mainland last year, and the timing of concluding the court trial is not yet known. Hence the date of his return to Hong Kong is still doubtful. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:
(a) the latest position of the above case, including the charge, the trial proceedings and availability of assistance of local lawyers to this person; and
(b) the health condition of this person?
Reply:
Madam President,
(a) In order to protect individual privacy, the HKSAR Government will not disclose details of the case.
The HKSAR Government is very concerned about the case. We are in close contact with the family concerned and have conveyed to the Central Government their requests and appeals.
We will continue to keep in touch with the family concerned to render practicable assistance. We will also liaise with Mainland authorities and keep the family concerned posted of the latest progress of the case.
(b) In order to protect individual privacy, the HKSAR Government will not disclose details of the case.
Ends/Wednesday, February 22, 2006
Issued at HKT 14:41
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