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Transcript of SCMA's remarks on the National Anthem Law

​     Following is the transcript of remarks made by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Patrick Nip, at a media session after attending a radio programme today (March 24):
 
Reporter: During a football match, for example, hundreds of people may boo the national anthem, it may be difficult for law enforcement. Would you consider legislating against the organiser instead? Because that would be easier to enforce the law.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: Our purpose is not to penalise anybody. Actually, we still think that education and people respecting the national anthem are very important. But if there is anybody who openly and wilfully insults the national anthem, then there will be sanction provisions in the national anthem law. The law enforcement agencies would take appropriate actions depending on the evidence collected and put the case to the court. And the court will examine the evidence and see if we could prove beyond reasonable doubts that an offence is committed and they will be liable to the penalties as set out in the law.

Reporter: (follow-up question)

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs: We are talking about penalties and sanctions. It is very important that we are talking about anyone who openly and wilfully insults the national anthem.
 
(Please also refer to the Chinese part of the transcript.)

Ends/Saturday, March 24, 2018
Issued at HKT 14:45

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