HK security chief says police surveillance under security law not subject to existing rules

Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. PHOTO: REUTERS

HONG KONG — Hong Kong’s security chief said on Friday that police surveillance of communications under the city’s national security law is not subject to rules under the financial hub’s Interception of Communications and Surveillance Ordinance.

FILE PHOTO: Secretary of Security John Lee Ka-Chiu is seen after announcing the withdrawal of the extradition bill, in Hong Kong, China October 23, 2019. REUTERS/Ammar Awad

John Lee, speaking at an online Legislative Council meeting on security, said the Committee of Safeguarding National Security would have oversight over such surveillance operations.