Unlawful violence should not be tolerated if the rule of law is cherished, Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen says.
Speaking at the ceremonial opening of the legal year today at City Hall, Mr Yuen said in the past year certain incidents have provided cause for concern, including some public order event participants resorting to unlawful violence and the use of dangerous materials.
"As the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a pluralistic and cosmopolitan city, it is not surprising that different people may have divergent views on political, social or economic issues. Against this background, it is all the more important to ensure that the freedom of speech as well as the freedom of assembly, of procession and of demonstration as guaranteed under our Basic Law and our Bill of Rights are properly guarded. However, it is of equal importance that every person who seeks to exercise such rights should do so peacefully and within the limit permitted by the law," Mr Yuen said.
He urged people to express their disapproval of such unlawful conduct so history would not repeat itself.
Mr Yuen also noted that the reported disappearance of some local booksellers has generated heated discussion in the community, but that it is not appropriate to jump to conclusions at this stage as the case is still being investigated by Police.
He made it clear that fundamental human rights are an integral part of the rule of law.
Mr Yuen also reiterated that any co-location arrangement for the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link's Hong Kong section will be devised in strict compliance with the Basic Law and the spirit of the "one country, two systems" policy to fully respect Hong Kong people's fundamental rights.
Also speaking at the event, Chief Justice Geoffrey Ma noted the Basic Law sets out fundamental rights and liberties which are constitutionally protected, and that equality is a fundamental component of the rule of law.
He added that judicial reviews serve the public interest, help the well-being of society and are about legality and not the merits or demerits of a political, economic or social argument.
