By Kelly Ho and Elson Tong
https://muckrack.com/kelly-ho
https://muckrack.com/elson-tong
Beijing official Zhang Xiaoming has said people who spread rumours about the police beating citizens to death at Prince Edward MTR station last August may be deemed to be breaking the newly-enacted national security law.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Zhang – executive deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office (HKMAO) – said such accusations against police could be seen as inciting hatred of the force – which may constitute an offence if it involved foreign collusion.
Under Article 29 of the national security law, it is an offence to request, conspire with, or receive support from foreign countries or elements to “provoke hatred” against the Hong Kong government.
“For example in last year’s [extradition bill] saga, I had a deep impression of this sudden rumour that people were beaten to death at Prince Edward Station,” said Zhang.
“This kind of act focuses all societal dissatisfaction towards the police out of nothing… acts targeting the Central Government with malice and serious consequences – that might have [legal] consequences”.
https://hongkongfp.com/2020/07/02/spreading-rumours-of-police-killing-protesters-at-prince-edward-mtr-may-breach-hong-kong-security-law-beijing-official/