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<p>The significant protests in Hong Kong show the strength of feeling among the people
of Hong Kong. We are pleased to see that, in the most part, the people of Hong Kong
have peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of speech and assembly, as guaranteed
in the Sino-British Joint Declaration. However all allegations of inappropriate use
of force by the Hong Kong police should be fully investigated by the Hong Kong SAR
Government.</p><p>We welcome the Chief Executive's statement that she would not proceed
with the second reading of the bill, if the fears and anxieties of the people of Hong
Kong were not addressed. It is vital that Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and
the rights and freedoms set down in the Joint Declaration are respected in full.</p><p>The
most recent 6 monthly report on Hong Kong published on 27 March, made clear our view
that judicial independence in Hong Kong remains robust. The proposals themselves have
no direct impact on judicial independence. However we are concerned that the proposals
could risk leaving the extradition process open to political interference, and could,
in future, undermine Hong Kong's high degree of autonomy and the rights and freedoms
guaranteed in the Joint Declaration.</p>
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