How to ensure fair trials without a jury? Do other countries have similar systems? What preparations are needed for public processions? What is a "Letter of No Objection"?

1. How does the National Security Law ensure fair trial?

Under the National Security Law, the Secretary for Justice may direct that a case be tried without a jury based on the grounds of protecting state secrets or ensuring the safety of jurors and their families. In fact, similar systems also exist in Western countries, including the UK, Australia and New Zealand, where jury trials are also waived for cases involving national security or serious crimes.

In Hong Kong, when a case is tried without a jury, three judges, instead of one, will preside over the case. This ensures fairness while preventing jurors from being targeted, doxxed or influenced by political bias.

 

2. What to prepare before holding a public procession or assembly?

The government encourages citizens to lawfully express their views. Out of public safety and order considerations, organizers of a public procession must submit a "Notice of Public Meeting" or "Notice of Public Procession" to the police.

(Link: https://www.police.gov.hk/ppp_tc/03_police_message/nono/)

The police will assess factors including the nature of the event, expected attendance, time, location and potential risk before deciding on whether to issue a "Letter of No Objection". In fact, after the National Security Law came into effect, the police have granted a "Letter of No Objection" to multiple public processions or assemblies, and those events were held peacefully and orderly.