Hong Kong will be overheard

Yesterday morning, after five days of tense debate, Hong Kong's legislature approved the Communications Interception and Surveillance Bill, which regulates the surveillance of suspects, wiretapping and e-mail monitoring. It was passed unanimously with 32 votes in favor. However, before this, 25 opposition deputies demonstratively left the meeting room of the 60-seat parliament. Pro-democracy officials said the new law would be used to restrict civil liberties in the former British colony, which came under Beijing's rule in 1997. Their proposal to limit surveillance of journalists and lawyers was not supported.

The decision on electronic surveillance and wiretapping will be made by a panel of judges appointed by the head of the Hong Kong administration. The opposition fears that these judges will be dependent on the executive branch, giving it the ability to conduct surveillance for political reasons. In 2003, mass protests by Hong Kong residents forced the administration to abandon the introduction of a law to combat anti-state activities.

Alexander LOMANOV