Patrick Nip Sounds Warning To Civil Servants

Civil Service Secretary Patrick Nip urged civil servants not to take part in any illegal activities during the mid-autumn and National Day festivities.

In a letter sent to civil servants on Wednesday afternoon, Nip said that as of the end of September, 46 civil servants have been suspended for either getting arrested for taking part in illegal public activities, or being under police investigation, or being prosecuted.

He said the government attaches great importance to the conduct of civil servants, and have zero tolerance for those who violate the law.

"The Internet is full of distorted and false information, encouraging citizens to participate in illegal demonstrations. I believe that colleagues can distinguish right from wrong, abide by the law, and abide by the code of conduct set by the Civil Servants' Code of Conduct," it said.

Nip said that police have not approved a proposed rally for October 1, and that taking part in an unauthorised assembly would be breaking the law.

He reminded people to stay vigilant and keep up epidemic prevention measures during the holidays, and especially avoid taking part in any activities that might violate the prohibition on public gatherings of more than four people.

Nip ended his letter by saying that he hopes the "backbone" of the government will continue to work to support the government and safeguard society.

The letter comes one day after Beijing's liaison office sounded a warning to those planning to organise protests on National Day.

The Civil Human Rights Front had planned to use the march on Thursday to demand the return of 12 Hong Kong detainees in Shenzhen, but the appeal board upheld a police decision to ban the proposed rally, saying that allowing it would have put public health at risk.