The government published in the gazette on Tuesday to officially ban the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” from operating in the city.

Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung has exercised the power conferred by section 60(1) of the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) to prohibit the operation or continued operation of both organizations in Hong Kong with immediate effect.

A spokesman for the Security Bureau said that Tang has issued written notices allowing both groups to make representations before the prohibition orders were issued, pursuant to section 60(4) of the SNSO.

He said the government has received representations from the Canada-based “Hong Kong Parliament” before the deadline but none were submitted from the Taiwan-based “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union”.

He said after carefully considering all relevant information, including the representations made by the “Hong Kong Parliament”, Tang believes banning both groups is necessary to safeguard national security.

He stressed that the groups are formally designated as “prohibited organizations,” anyone serving as a member, attending or organizing meetings, attempting to recruit others, or providing financial or other support would face up to 14 years in prison and a HK$1 million fine.

He warned that any acts or activities of endangering national security could lead to serious consequences.

“The Police will strictly enforce the law against relevant criminal acts and appeals to members of the public to not defy the law, participate in any activities of prohibited organizations, or have any connection with them by dissociating themselves from prohibited organizations,” he said.

Two overseas ‘subversive’ groups officially banned in HK