Hong Kong Government: Allowing Repentant Anti-Extradition Bill Protestors to Understand National Conditions Instead of Prosecution

(Central News Agency reporter Zhang Qian, Hong Kong, 17th) Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang said today that the Hong Kong government has launched a "special project" for young people arrested during the anti-extradition bill (anti-send-to-China) incident in the past two years. The purpose is to let them understand national conditions and national security issues, and to handle them in ways other than through the courts.

According to official Radio Television Hong Kong, when Tang was questioned about the relevant issue in the Legislative Council today, he said that the plan had been carried out discreetly for the past two years and was progressing smoothly.

He claimed that a small number of people currently want to find those who participated in the "special project" to "harass and intimidate them, making the plan unsuccessful," so disclosing relevant information is not necessarily a good thing.

He said that the government launched the "special project" with the intention of allowing those arrested but not yet prosecuted to better understand national conditions, the national security situation, and to give them an opportunity to understand the entire incident (the anti-extradition bill movement).

He stated that if the arrested individuals are truly repentant, the authorities hope to handle them in ways other than through the courts, and the relevant activities are conducted within the legal framework. Those who have participated in the "special project" have not been re-arrested so far.

He described the effectiveness of the "special project" as very significant, with many participants writing their reflections after the project ended, "mentioning how they were incited that day and now regretting it deeply."

Chris Tang revealed a few days ago that the authorities had launched a "special project" for more than 7,000 people arrested but not yet prosecuted in the anti-extradition bill turmoil. The purposes include hoping they will have a better understanding of the country and providing employment support.

He said that arrested individuals will not be prosecuted after participating in the "special project" for a period of time; the relevant plan was carried out discreetly because of concerns that participants would be "doxxed" and intimidated. The plan is now being announced because the social foundation is stable, and it is an appropriate time to let more people know about it and actively participate.

According to the announcement, the activities of the "special project" include visiting mainland China, providing vocational counseling, and internship opportunities. (Editor: Chou Hui-ying) 1150417

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