Authorities To Probe Protesters' Fund: Chris Tang

Security Secretary Chris Tang on Friday said authorities will investigate whether a fund providing legal and financial support for protesters facing prosecution has broken any laws, including the national security law.

Tang didn't say which organisation he was referring to, but the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, which was formed after the anti-extradition protests began in June 2019, recently announced that it will shut down at the end of October.

The group said earlier this month that it still needed to raise about HK$25 million to settle outstanding legal fees and other operational costs.

But speaking to reporters after a Fight Crime Committee meeting, Tang said it is "strange" that the organisation is seeking to raise a lot of money before it folds, questioning whether it is trying to "reap some profit."

"Whoever, no matter if it's an individual or it's an organisation, if you have committed any crime, no matter whether it's the national security law or otherwise, we will conduct a full investigation. If there's any evidence, we will make an arrest and maybe prosecute," Tang said.

"If anyone is aiding or abetting any offences, including national security offences, it may contravene the law."

The security chief added that so far, three people have been convicted of national security offences out of the 81 people charged.

He said as more cases are heard in court, people will come to realise that the 2019 social unrest wasn't simply about young people coming out to voice their views, but that there were "masterminds" who wanted to endanger national security.

"It was colour revolution-like organised crime," Tang said.