Attention duty announcers, radio and TV stations: Please broadcast the following special announcement immediately, and repeat it at frequent intervals when the Cold Weather Warning is in force: &nbs… read more
​Regarding the erroneous remarks made by the United States Department of State’s Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor today (February 8) regarding Lai Chee-ying’s case concerning the Hong Kong National Security Law, openly exerting pressure to demand unconditional release of Lai Chee-ying, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) condemned and rejected such act, and released a statement to clarify relevant issues to set the record straight.
A spokesman for the HKSAR Government pointed out that, “As the legal proceedings involving Lai Chee-ying are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case. The HKSAR Government strongly urges any external forces to immediately stop interfering in the HKSAR’s internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts of the HKSAR.”
The HKSAR Government has emphasised time and again that all cases (including the case in question) are handled strictly on the basis of evidence and in accordance with the law. All defendants will receive fair trial strictly in accordance with laws applicable to Hong Kong (including the Hong Kong National Security Law) and as protected by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights.
The spokesman stressed that, “Any attempt by any country, organisation, or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the HKSAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law of Hong Kong and should be condemned.”
“The HKSAR Government will continue to resolutely discharge the duty of safeguarding national security, prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities endangering national security. At the same time, it will continue to safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law.” read more
The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, continued his visit to Harbin today (February 8) to visit the Hong Kong, China Delegation, who are actively participating in the 9th Asian Winter Games Harbin 2025, and to watch some events to cheer for Hong Kong athletes. He also visited cultural and tourism facilities and met with Hong Kong young people currently on exchange in Harbin.
In the morning, Mr Lee and the officials visited the athletes’ village to meet with members of the Hong Kong, China Delegation to the Asian Winter Games to learn about their preparations. Afterwards, they watched speed skating, short track speed skating and ice hockey events to support the participating Hong Kong athletes.
Noting that the Hong Kong, China Delegation is the largest ever to participate in the Asian Winter Games and that the athletes are making every effort in their preparations, Mr Lee expressed his delight at being able to personally watch the competitions and cheer the athletes on. He encouraged the Hong Kong athletes to give their utmost and encouraged Hong Kong citizens to cheer for the national team and the Hong Kong team.
In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner with the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC). He thanked the SF&OC for providing thoughtful arrangements and assistance to the Hong Kong, China Delegation for their participation in the Asian Winter Games.
Mr Lee today also met with Hong Kong young people participating in an exchange programme organised by InspiringHK Sports Foundation to understand their experiences and insights during the trip. Highlighting that the Asian Winter Games is a major sports event held once every four years, he encouraged the participating young people to seize the precious opportunity to enjoy the exciting competitions, experience winter sports, and learn about the history and culture of Harbin.
Mr Lee and the officials also visited Central Street and nearby cultural and tourism facilities today to learn more about the latest developments in the local cultural and tourism industry. Central Street, established in 1898, was transformed in 1997 into the country’s first commercial pedestrian street.
Mr Lee will continue his visit tomorrow (February 9).
Hong Kong Customs conducted an anti-narcotics operation in Prince Edward yesterday (February 7) and seized about 1.5 kilograms of suspected methamphetamine and a batch of drug packaging paraphernalia, with a total estimated market value of about $800,000. One person suspected to be connected with the case was arrested.
During an anti-narcotics operation conducted in Prince Edward earlier, Customs targeted a man who was suspected of controlling a drug storage centre located in the same district. Yesterday, Customs officers searched the subject premises and found the batch of suspected methamphetamine and drug packaging paraphernalia, with a total estimated market value of about $800,000. The man was immediately arrested at the scene. The 76-year-old arrested man, who claimed to be retired, has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. He will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on February 10.
Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour report hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/).
​In view of the cold weather, the Home Affairs Department has opened 18 temporary cold shelters in various districts today (February 8) for people in need of the service. The temporary shelters will remain open when the Cold Weather Warning is in force.
Clean mattresses and blankets/quilts, hot meals and hot water will be provided to shelter users free of charge during the opening of the temporary shelters.
To ensure that cold shelter users can rest in a quiet and undisturbed environment, members of the public or agencies wishing to make donations to shelter users are requested to register with the staff of the shelter first. Donors will then be directed to place the donated items at a specified indoor location. The staff will help notify the shelter users to collect the items on their own.
Anyone seeking temporary refuge, or those with any questions about the donation arrangements at the cold shelters, may call the department’s hotline 2572 8427 for more information.
The 18 temporary cold shelters are located at:
Hong Kong Island:
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Central and Western:
Sai Ying Pun Community Complex Community Hall
3/F, Sai Ying Pun Community Complex,
2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun
Eastern:
Causeway Bay Community Centre
3/F, 7 Fook Yum Road, Causeway Bay
Southern:
Lei Tung Community Hall
Lei Tung Estate, Ap Lei Chau
Wan Chai:
Wan Chai Activities Centre
LG/F, Wan Chai Market, 258 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Kowloon:
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Kowloon City:
Hung Hom Community Hall
1/F, Kowloon City Government Offices,
42 Bailey Street, Hung Hom
Kwun Tong:
Lam Tin (West) Estate Community Centre
71 Kai Tin Road, Lam Tin
Sham Shui Po:
Nam Cheong District Community Centre
1 Cheong San Lane, Sham Shui Po
Wong Tai Sin:
Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre
45 Wan Wah Street, Tsz Wan Shan
Yau Tsim Mong:
Henry G Leong Yaumatei Community Centre
60 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei
New Territories:
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Islands:
Tung Chung Community Hall
G/F, Tung Chung Municipal Services Building, 39 Man Tung Road, Tung Chung
Kwai Tsing:
Tai Wo Hau Estate Community Centre
15 Tai Wo Hau Road, Kwai Chung
North:
Cheung Wah Community Hall
Cheung Wah Estate, Fanling
Sai Kung:
Hang Hau Community Hall
G/F, Sai Kung Tseung Kwan O Government Complex,
38 Pui Shing Road, Hang Hau, Tseung Kwan O
Sha Tin:
Lung Hang Estate Community Centre
Lung Hang Estate, Sha Tin
Tai Po:
Tai Po Community Centre
2 Heung Sze Wui Street, Tai Po
Tsuen Wan:
Lei Muk Shue Community Hall
G/F, Hong Shue House, Lei Muk Shue Estate, Tsuen Wan
Tuen Mun:
Butterfly Bay Community Centre
Butterfly Estate (near Tip Sum House), Tuen Mun
Yuen Long:
Long Ping Community Hall
Long Ping Estate, Yuen Long read more