Hong Kong's Anti-Terrorism Measures Under Fire

Abstract

Following behind other jurisdictions, Hong Kong tabled its post September 11th anti-terrorism legislation for first reading on April 17, 2002. The United Nations (Anti-Terrorism Measures) Bill was aimed at implementing the mandatory requirements of Resolution 1373, adopted by the Security Council amount of time available for drafting the Bill, one might have expected a comprehensive, balanced and carefully reasoned piece of proposed legislation. However the Bill failed to satisfy these expectations. It was the subject of intense criticism by legislators, legal professionals, public interest and human rights groups. In response to these criticisms, the government promptly proposed many substantial amendments, thereby confirming its numerous defects.