Alliance banned from Companies Register not because of criminal charges: John Lee

27-10-2021 15:23 HKT

The alliance behind the annual June 4 vigil was struck off the Companies Register as its operation endangers national security, not because of the criminal charges it faces, said Chief Secretary John Lee Ka-chiu.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and the Executive Council decided on Tuesday to strike the now-defunct Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China off the Companies Register, accusing the group of inciting subversion.

Speaking to media on Wednesday, Lee said the government made the decision solely because the operation of the alliance endangers national security. The ban has nothing to do with the criminal charges faced by the group and its directors, he added.

The alliance, its chairman Lee Cheuk-yan and vice-chairs Albert Ho Chun-yan and Tonyee Chow Hang-tung were charged with inciting subversion of state power on September 9.

The chief secretary continued that the alliance has always maintained and promoted its five operational goals, including “ending one-party dictatorship,” which means ending the leadership of the Communist Party of China.

John Lee also said the alliance seeks to overthrow the basic system of China with a view to subvert the state power of China, posing a threat to national security as well as public safety and order.

He pointed out that it is the duty of the government to act quickly to prevent activities that endanger national security from taking place, and impose relevant punishment.

He also stressed that there is no choice on whether to comply with the government when it comes to national security, and the government will take action according to the law if there is sufficient evidence.