In response to the US State Department's Country Reports on Human Rights Practices 2014, the Government has reiterated that constitutional development is entirely an internal affair of China and urged foreign governments to respect this principle and not interfere in any manner.
In a statement issued today, the Government noted that it had presented to the Legislative Council a package of proposals for selecting the Chief Executive by universal suffrage, adding that the proposals are in accordance with the constitutional and legal regime, and are also reasonable and rational, but unfortunately, the motion was vetoed at LegCo last week.
It reiterated that freedom of expression and freedom of the press are guaranteed by the Basic Law and the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance, and the Government will continue to strive to safeguard these core values.
The statement also made it clear that it is Police policy to strike a balance between facilitating all lawful and peaceful public meetings and processions while ensuring public order and safety.
The Department of Justice will not take into account the political stance of those arrested at public events in considering whether prosecution should be initiated, it added.
