Surveillance law ready in six months: official

The bill on interception of communications and covert surveillance is expected to be submitted to the Legislative Council in a few weeks, Hong Kong Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee said Saturday, adding he is confident the law can be passed in six months.

Speaking on a radio talk show, Lee said consultation among political parties, human rights bodies, the legal profession and the media on the bill has been ongoing in the past few months, and drafting of the bill has entered the maturity stage.

He said the aim of the legislation has nothing to do with Basic Law Article 23, and the bureau is open-minded on views expressed by different sectors.

Lee said LegCo's security panel will soon hold a special meeting during which the bureau will answer members' queries on the proposals and listen to their views before finalizing the bill, adding the public can still voice opinions afterwards.

He said the proposals have included views collated in the previous consultation,such as the limit of the regulating scope to government agencies and approval for all communications interception. More intrusive covert surveillance will be given by a panel of High Court judges, and the setting up of an independent oversight authority to review compliance with law and a code of practice will be issued.

Source: Xinhua