Tag Archives: China

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Hong Kong Customs arrests kayak instructor suspected of making false claim

     Hong Kong Customs today (March 2) arrested a male kayak instructor suspected of having applied false trade descriptions to the kayak training course supplied, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO).

     Customs earlier received information alleging that a male kayak instructor had made a false claim that a trainee would be awarded a recognised certificate issued by the relevant organisation upon completion of the kayak training course taught by him, which was contrary to the fact.

     After investigation, Customs officers today arrested a 38-year-old man.

     Investigation is ongoing and the arrested man has been released on bail pending further investigation.

     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO and consumers to procure services at reputable shops.

     Under the TDO, any trader who applies a false trade description to a service supplied to a consumer commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.

     Members of the public may report any suspected violations of the TDO to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 2545 6182 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk). read more

No one should interfere with independent prosecutorial decisions

     The Department of Justice (DoJ) today (March 2) stressed that no one should interfere with prosecutorial decisions which are carried out strictly in accordance with the law.

     In light of recent comments calling for dropping charges against 47 persons who were prosecuted under Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law, the DoJ reiterated that independent prosecutorial decisions are based on an objective assessment of all admissible evidence, applicable laws and the Prosecution Code, without political considerations.

     Article 63 of the Basic Law stipulates that prosecutions in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region are made by the DoJ, free from any interference. Prosecutions would only be commenced if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction.

     Any open demand for immediate release of the defendants, in the course of legal proceedings, is considered a disrespect of our judicial and legal systems. It also undermines the rule of law and is seen as an attempt to meddle in Hong Kong’s affairs which are internal affairs of the People’s Republic of China. 

     The Hong Kong National Security Law expressly provides that human rights such as freedom of speech and assembly, be protected, and legal principles such as presumption of innocence be respected and observed.

     The DoJ also reminded that it is inappropriate to comment further as the legal proceedings of the case are still ongoing. read more