Two organizations face potential bans, as Hong Kong Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung considers prohibiting their operations due to accusations that they are attempting to subvert state power, a spokesman from the Security Bureau announced on Monday. The organizations will have the opportunity to make representations before any orders are finalized.

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The spokesman said that the secretary for security has issued written notices to the “Hong Kong Parliament” and the “Hong Kong Democratic Independence Union” after thoroughly reviewing all relevant information. The notices allege that these organizations have undermined the constitutional system of the People’s Republic of China, the authoritative body of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, by promoting objectives such as “self-determination” and the establishment of the “Hong Kong Constitution”.

“If the secretary for security finally decides to make orders to prohibit the operation or continued operation of the two organizations in the HKSAR, they will become ‘prohibited organizations’”, the spokesman said. 

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Under the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO), any individuals who act as officeholders or members of a prohibited organization, participate in its activities or meetings, incite others to join, or provide any form of aid to such organizations, may face a fine of up to HK$1 million ($128,480) and imprisonment for up to 14 years upon conviction, he added.

“Endangering national security is a very serious offense, with potentially grave consequences,” the spokesman said, adding that the HKSAR government will rigorously enforce the SNSO and other relevant laws to effectively prevent, suppress, and punish activities that threaten national security, in accordance with the law.