Hong Kong National Security Law: John Lee Ka-chiu warned of increasing Hong Kong's terrorism threat level, Police at blockaded areas to conduct random security checks on citizens.
BeWaterEditor's Note:
In Hong Kong, the threat of terrorist attacks is currently assessed to be "moderate" on a three-level scale, meaning that there is a possibility of attack though there is no specific intelligence suggesting that the city is a likely target. (https://www.legco.gov.hk/research-publications/english/essentials-1718ise05-public-preparedness-for-terrorist-attacks.htm)
(25 May) Beijing forced the National Security Law to be passed in Hong Kong. In writing, Secretary of Security John Lee Ka-chiu stated that he was gravely concerned about the ten cases involving explosives and dangerous substances from last year. He wrote, "there are also signals showing that home-grown terrorism is breeding in Hong Kong" and to "not allow terrorism to plant it roots and grow in the SAR." He further indicated that the government was keeping a close watch on the situation and would not rule out raising the local threat level of terrorist attacks. Besides upgrading the level for terrorist threats and attacks, the police would very likely start blockading high-risk areas and conduct high-profile patrols. They would also perform searches of personal belongings and security checks in public spaces. He reaffirmed that safeguarding national security was the SAR's constitutional responsibility and that the alarm had been raised for terrorist activities. As the Secretary of Security, he fully supported the National People's Congress' decision to set up national security laws for Hong Kong.
Full translation:
In a blog post titled "Terrorism is growing rampant, support the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for National Security Law", secretary chief John Lee Ka-chiu wrote that he was concerned about the more than ten cases involving explosives and dangerous substances since last year, including the police' discovery of explosive materials in an abandoned secondary school at the beginning of this month. It included nitroglycerin-based explosives, pressure cookers, iron nails and chemicals suspected to have been stolen from Hong Kong Polytechnic University last year. He pointed out that the police had seized different types of explosives including TATP, ANFO, HMTD, DNT and black gunpowder. He explained, "these explosives were commonly used in foreign terrorist attacks" like the London subway and bus bombings of 2005, the Oklahoma City bombing of 1995 and the 2015 Bangkok bombing in Thailand.
He said, "Many citizens are still unaware that home-grown terrorism is relevant to themselves" and "home-grown terrorism is putting everyone in danger, innocent citizens might also be harmed". He disclosed that the government was keeping a close watch on the situation and would not rule out raising the local threat level of terrorist attacks. Once the level for terrorist threats and attacks is upgraded, the police would very likely start blockading high-risk areas and conduct high-profile patrols. He added that requests have been made for internal upgrades with the police, disciplined services and other relevant departments to reinforce the collection of intelligence and review anti-terrorism contingency plans. Public transport, customs, etc. would be targeted. Collaborative anti-terrorism efforts and public education would improve through drills.
In a late-night press release, Commissioner of Police Chris Tang declared that the police fully supported the draft of "National Security Law" in Hong Kong and would fulfill their duty to work alongside other disciplined services under the jurisdiction Security Bureau to safeguard national security.
Source: Apple Daily