Latest news with #BasicLaw
RTHK
3 days ago
- Politics
- RTHK
'Constructive criticism not amounting to sedition'
'Constructive criticism not amounting to sedition' Secretary for Justice Paul Lam said people don't have to worry about falling foul of the SAR's sedition laws so long as their criticism is aimed at suggesting improvement to the authorities. The justice chief told the RTHK programme NSL Chronicles III that there are clear stipulations about how certain acts and comments do not constitute sedition in the home-grown national security law under Article 23 of the Basic Law. "For example, when we have different opinions or criticisms about government policies, the law is clear in this regard," Lam said. "If you're expressing views with the intent of wishing the government to do better, or making so-called criticism with good intentions, the law states in black and white that these do not amount to [the crime of] seditious intention." Lam said according to the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, it is also legal to suggest improvement to the legal or political system as well as the constitutional order, so long as there's no intent to incite hatred or contempt. On the other hand, Lam explained how people may violate seditious laws under Article 23 even if they don't intend to incite violence. He noted there had been instances where some comments "could harm the public's views towards the government", causing hatred or enmity, even if they don't specifically ask people to take up arms to confront the SAR government.
South China Morning Post
4 days ago
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong shows how to balance national security and human rights
Over the past five years, Hong Kong's national security law has provided meaningful insights into the effort to strike a reasonable balance between safeguarding national security and protecting fundamental rights. Advertisement From the perspective of someone who has followed Hong Kong's legal and constitutional evolution over several decades, this development is neither abrupt nor unprecedented. Rather, it reflects a maturing legal response to the challenges that also confront many other jurisdictions, particularly those rooted in the common law tradition. While courts around the world interpret the relationship between national security and human rights through differing cultural, historical and institutional lenses, one constant remains: the rule of law must serve as the guiding principle. Since its enactment, Hong Kong's national security law has contributed to restoring social order, reinforcing the rule of law, reshaping the city's political culture and safeguarding the rights and freedoms of its residents. It is grounded in the human rights principles of China's constitution and Hong Kong's Basic Law , and it seeks to harmonise the values of national security and human rights. It reinforces Hong Kong's status as an inseparable part of China while emphasising the importance of upholding national security within a rule-of-law framework and embedding respect for human rights throughout its legal provisions. Advertisement National security is a fundamental priority of modern sovereign states, underpinning citizens' ability to enjoy basic human rights. Article 2 of the law clarifies that the Basic Law's Articles 1 and 12 constitute core provisions, stipulating that residents' exercise of rights and freedoms must align with these provisions, thereby establishing the foundation for balancing national security and human rights.
Observer
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Observer
Oman showcases inclusive vision at Global Disability Forum
NEW YORK: The Sultanate of Oman took part in the 18th session of the Conference of States Parties to the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), held during June 10-12 at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Oman's delegation to the conference was headed by Ambassador Omar bin Said al Kathiri, Oman's Permanent Representative to the UN in New York, and comprised representatives from the Ministry of Social Development and the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs. In a speech delivered by Badr bin Fareesh al Yahyaee, Assistant Director-General of the for Persons with Disabilities at the Ministry of Social Development, Oman highlighted its extensive efforts to support and empower persons with disabilities across all sectors. These efforts align with the provisions of the State's Basic Law, relevant national legislation, 'Oman Vision 2040' and the country's commitments under international conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 2030. Oman's address also outlined key achievements in the care and empowerment of persons with disabilities, including the draft law on the rights of persons with disabilities, which was formulated in accordance with the International Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Other milestones include the development of a comprehensive national guide for engineering standards and specifications for inclusive urban environments and accessible transportation, as well as the organisation of the first National Forum for Persons with Disabilities in 2023, whose outcomes laid the groundwork for a dedicated lab to enhance services and programmes for persons with disabilities. The Sultanate of Oman emphasised the importance of raising public awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities as a shared responsibility, with active participation from persons with disabilities themselves. It also called for unified visions among all member states to achieve an accessible, barrier-free environment that fulfils their aspirations. - ONA
Local Germany
12-06-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
How you can challenge Germany's controversial property tax on your home
Following a major reform to Germany's property tax rules as of the beginning of this year, millions of land- and homeowners are challenging the amount of property tax they owe. Why were the property tax rules changed? Germany's old rules around property tax ( Grundsteuer ) had been ruled unconstitutional in 2018. The Federal Ministry of Finance explains on its website that is was because the old tax code treated similar properties differently (depending on the region) and therefore violated the principle of equal treatment, which is protected by Basic Law. The primary change to the rules that impacts homeowners is that the valuation of properties has been updated. Until the end of 2024 property valuations were based on decades old standard values – these were established in 1964 for properties in former West German states and as far back as 1935 in former East German states. Property valuations have now been reassessed, as of January 1st, 2022. Additionally, a law was added that allows cities to increase the assessment rate on undeveloped plots of land. This was intended to disincentivise speculation on land that might otherwise be developed. In simple terms, the rule reform has seen properties revalued, and for many homeowners in Germany it brought a significant increase in the property tax they owe going forward. REVEALED: Where buyers can find the most property for sale in Germany Widespread objections across Germany But many homeowners do not agree with the property tax increases, and some argue that the new assessments are unfair. Since new valuation assessments were sent out, millions of property owners have appealed. According to a report by Focus Online, 1.4 million objections were received by the tax offices in Baden-Württemberg – meaning that nearly 30 percent of homeowners in the southwestern state feel their assessment was incorrect or unjustified. Advertisement The situation is similar in other German states as well. SWR reported 1.5 million objections in North Rhine-Westphalia, 1.3 million in Bavaria and 440,000 in Rhineland-Palatinate. How you can contest the property tax Generally, to challenge your property tax obligations in Germany you need to contest the property tax assessment, which is sent in the mail by your local tax office. This needs to be done, in writing or with a visit to the tax office, and usually within one month from receipt of the assessment. After you've filed the objection, you have two months to submit a detailed justification, including any evidence you have to support your claim. If the objection is rejected, you can then file a lawsuit with the Fiscal Court within one month of receiving the rejection notice. Regarding the new property tax rules, the homeowners' association Haus & Grund has taken up the issue and is bringing a number of legal challenges against the new property tax. READ ALSO: What Germany's tax authorities need to know if you rent out your home In a post on the association's website it lists several reference numbers for ongoing cases, and suggests that owners can refer to the ongoing lawsuits and file their own objections. The cases, which were filed with courts in Berlin-Brandenburg, Rhineland-Palatinate, Cologne and Düsseldorf, argue that the new property tax rules violate the principle of equality of the Basic Law. Advertisement The cases will force German courts to clarify whether the new property tax rules are compatible with the law. They are expected to go all the way to the Federal Constitutional Court. It will likely be several years before the cases are decided, but if you want to seek compensation for paying excessive property tax from now on, you should file an objection now. If you do intend to bring a lawsuit forward, you'd be advised to seek legal counsel from a homeowners' association like Haus & Grund or similar or a lawyer. Note that this article is written for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
South China Morning Post
12-06-2025
- Politics
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong exhibition opens to mark fifth anniversary of national security law
An exhibition commemorating the fifth anniversary of the Beijing-imposed national security law has opened in Hong Kong, featuring video footage and images from three major social movements, with city officials urging residents to remain vigilant against threats. At the opening ceremony of the government-organised event on Thursday, Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung noted that as of June 1, 326 people had been arrested under relevant national security laws, including the legislation required under Article 23 of the Basic Law, the city's mini-constitution, which was enacted in March last year. According to Tang, residents should stay vigilant against four major risks, which still exist despite the stability brought by the laws, including external forces that attempt to smear and sanction, exiled individuals who promoted 'Hong Kong independence', local terrorism and soft resistance. Secretary for Justice Paul Lam (left) and Secretary for Security Chris Tang. Photo: Elson Li During the same occasion, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam Ting-kwok called on Hongkongers not to forget the history, ignore the reality, or stay aloof when national security threats emerge. 'National security risks are often not easily visible to the naked eye, but the facts are clear: hostile countries and forces are attempting to continuously suppress our country's development,' Lam said, pointing to 'a certain country' which attempted to interfere in Hong Kong's national security cases through illegal sanctions and levies. The entrance to the three-month thematic exhibition at the Hong Kong Museum of History is decorated with a so-called 'time tunnel' installation that showcases videos and pictures documenting destructive acts during the 2014 illegal Occupy Central movement, 2016 Mong Kok riot and 2019 anti-government protest. Chinese slogan 'not to forget, but yet to finish' was printed on the entrance wall before residents entered the second part of the exhibition, which featured the city's approach to unplugging the national security loopholes by enacting the Beijing-imposed national security law.
