HK chief backs subversion law

A senior member of Hong Kong government said its chief executive, Tung Chee-hwa, has endorsed a controversial anti-subversion law.

The security secretary of Hong Kong administration, Regina Ip, said the proposed bill would be introduced into the legislative council before the end of the month but it was not certain when the bill would be passed.

The proposed new laws prompted mass protests last December, causing great concerns among Hong Kong people that the basic rights would be curtailed.

Critics have warned that Beijing could use the laws to tighten its control over Hong Kong's affairs as well as to crack down on dissidents.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service