Erik Shum Questions Govt Ruling On Protest Slogan

A member of the Bar Association, Erik Shum, said on Friday that the government can't rule that the protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times" violates the new national security law.

Commenting on a government statement that the phrase carried secessionist or subversive intent, Shum told RTHK that the slogan could mean different things to different people.

"I think the purpose might be to warn the public that the government have announced that this slogan would have that meaning under the new law, and, hence, you would have to be banned from making that sort of slogan," Shum said.

"But I mean in terms of a case in court, the statement of the government does not have the force of law."

The government said on Thursday the protest slogan "Liberate Hong Kong, Revolution of Our Times" is in violation of the new national security law, because it carries secessionist or subversive intent.

Beijing enacted the national security legislation for Hong Kong on Tuesday, but the slogan feature prominently in July 1 protests the following day, prompting the government warning that the slogan now carries a Hong Kong independence message, or strives to separate Hong Kong from the People's Republic of China and change the SAR's legal status.

It also says the slogan may also imply subversion of state power, and condemned any acts challenging the country's sovereignty and integrity, and urged people not to take part in them.