29th May 2023 – (Hong Kong) Hong Kong Secretary for Security, Chris Tang, announced on 29th May that the police are investigating a recent surge in people cancelling their organ donation registrations, which he described as “unusual.” Tang attributed the increase to former district councillors living overseas who have distorted the cross-border organ transplant cooperation mechanism between Hong Kong and mainland China. He also stated that some people have used false names online to cancel their registration, leading to a false impression of public outrage. Tang warned that the police would conduct criminal investigations against those who violate the law, including the use of computers and the Hong Kong National Security Law. He added that “if there is evidence, we will arrest people, and if there is enough evidence, we will prosecute them.”
Tang also addressed recent reports by human rights organisations that a Uyghur student had gone missing after arriving in Hong Kong. He said that the person in question had never entered Hong Kong nor was refused entry, and accused Amnesty International of fabricating facts to smear the Hong Kong government and endanger national security.
During a press conference after an event in North Point, Tang emphasised that some individuals are still trying to provoke Hong Kong and mainland China and smear their governments, creating a “soft confrontation” between the two sides.
In response to recent concerns about the cancellation of organ donation registrations, Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee called for an investigation into the issue. Tang noted that the donation of a heart from mainland China had saved the life of a Hong Kong baby and stressed that the cross-border organ donation mechanism between Hong Kong and mainland China would only be used in cases where a local match cannot be found. He also warned against deliberate distortions of the system and stated that those who fail to cancel their registration would be considered as having registered.
Tang reiterated that the police would investigate any cases of intentional violations of the law and that there would be consequences for those found guilty. He emphasized that sufficient evidence would be required to prosecute individuals and warned that any illegal acts would be investigated and prosecuted regardless of when they occurred.
Regarding the missing Uyghur student, Tang stated that the allegations made by Amnesty International were fabricated and intended to smear the Hong Kong government and the central government of China. He expressed concern that such actions could endanger national security and urged the public to be cautious when evaluating reports from human rights organisations.