28th December 2024 – (Hong Kong) The Hong Kong Department of Justice (DoJ) has announced an update to the bilingual “Annotations of the Hong Kong National Security Law and Sedition Offences in the Crimes Ordinance,” enhancing public understanding of national security legislation. The updated Annotations, which include developments in relevant laws up to 30th June 2024, are now accessible on the dedicated website.
Originally launched in December last year and updated in June this year, the Annotations compile key judgments and information surrounding the Hong Kong National Security Law and specific sections of the Crimes Ordinance. This initiative aims to bolster public awareness and comprehension of laws designed to safeguard national security across various sectors of the community.
The DoJ’s update comes in response to significant legal developments and judicial rulings pertinent to national security. It provides a resource for legal practitioners and the public alike, facilitating deeper insights into the application of these laws.
In addition, the DoJ successfully hosted a National Security Legal Forum on 8th June 2024, themed “Looking Back and Ahead, New Dawn for Development.” This event gathered experts, scholars, and legal professionals for high-level discussions on pressing issues related to national security law. The DoJ has compiled and translated the discussions from the Forum into “Proceedings,” which are also available on their website for public review.
It is worth noting that sections 9 and 10 of the Crimes Ordinance have been repealed and replaced by new provisions under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, effective since 23rd March 2024, further emphasising the evolving legal landscape surrounding national security in Hong Kong.
