Govt Keeping Its Options Open: Teresa Cheng

The Secretary for Justice, Teresa Cheng, on Saturday sidestepped questions on whether the government plans to introduce martial law if the anti-government protests continue, but stressed that the government would look at every usable legal option at its disposal.

Cheng also said she did not see how the anti-mask law will undermine freedom of expression, including for people working for mainland companies or airlines, who may want to cover their face even when joining authorised protests to avoid repercussions from their employer.

She said that in the past people had taken part in peaceful protests and there had not been a problem.

"So we really fail to see why there is this concern - bearing in mind that we not only have the laws that respect the rights and freedom, we also have laws that will regulate employment regulations," Cheng said.

Some companies with significant mainland business have found themselves embroiled in the extradition bill crisis, with Cathay Pacific coming under fire from mainland media after some employees showed support for protesters.

Senior management have left the airline since the summer's protests erupted, with some staff members sacked and passenger numbers plummeting.

Cheng also rejected suggestions that the government had bypassed the Legislative Council with its introduction of the anti-mask law.

She said the law would be tabled in Legco when meetings resume later this month.