HKSAR chief executive submits national security report to central gov’t

HONG KONG, Nov. 29– Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region John Lee said late Monday night that he had submitted a report to the Central People’s Government presenting the situation regarding the HKSAR’s performance of its duties in safeguarding national security since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong.

HONG KONG, Nov. 29 (Xinhua) — Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) John Lee said late Monday night that he had submitted a report to the Central People’s Government presenting the situation regarding the HKSAR’s performance of its duties in safeguarding national security since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong.

Lee also recommended in the report that a request be made to the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress to seek an interpretation under Article 65 of the national security law in Hong Kong to clarify whether an overseas solicitor or barrister, who is not fully qualified to practice in Hong Kong, can be involved in any form in handling cases of crimes against national security, in accordance with the legislative intent and purpose of the national security law.

Lee has received a letter from the Central People’s Government requesting him to submit a report on the HKSAR’s performance of duties in safeguarding national security since the implementation of the national security law in Hong Kong, including the work of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the HKSAR.

Earlier, the High Court of the HKSAR allowed British King’s Counsel Timothy Owen to defend anti-China disruptor Jimmy Lai in his trial over collusion with foreign countries or external elements to endanger national security.

The Court of Final Appeal ruled on Monday afternoon to reject an application for leave to appeal by the justice secretary of the HKSAR government. Enditem