Gov’t implements NSL amendment

The amendment seeks to avoid national security risks.

The National Security Law amendment took effect upon gazettal on 15 December 2023.

Under the amendment, notices issued by the Secretary for Security to freeze offence-related property are valid whilst the proceedings to which it relates are pending and remain so until the conclusion of the proceedings.

The amendment aims to effectively avoid national security risks due to improper dealing with offence-related property before the conclusion of the proceedings.

The amendment will make clear provisions in respect of the validity period of the freezing notice without changing the basis or principle for issuing such a notice.

After the amendment, the property rights of the suspects and defendants of cases concerning national security offences remain protected following the law.