Secretary for Administration and Justice Wong Sio Chak stated that under the new proposals, judges may decide to conduct trials behind closed doors if a public hearing threatens national security interests, according to TDM.
He added that the scope of “designated judges” will expand from criminal cases to include civil and administrative litigation involving national security matters.
Regarding legal representation, Wong noted that defense lawyers will require security clearance. Because lawyers will access classified case information, they must undergo review and obtain special permission from the National Security Commission. If the commission denies permission, the client must appoint a different lawyer.
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On an institutional level, the government plans to establish a permanent “Secretariat” to replace the current National Security Commission Office, following models used in Mainland China and Hong Kong.
The new Secretariat will assist the commission in fulfilling its duties, executing decisions, and coordinating work across various sectors. Its scope will cover non-traditional security areas, including cultural, economic, and nuclear safety, as well as public promotion and education.
