Attached is Press Release from Merv Knight, Executive Director, VOM Australia

Press Release

18th December 2002

Representatives of the Voice of the Martyrs in Hong Kong have contacted the VOM Australian Officer concerning their deep concern and alarm at the implications of the controversial Article 23 Legislation which is about to be introduced into Hong Kong law.

We are well aware of the promise of fifty years without change given to Hong Kong at the time it was handed over to China in 1997. It is of concern to us that pressure from China may have been exerted to bring about this obvious change to freedom of religion.

Religious persecution has been part of China's history, and should Article 23 come into force, religious persecution is set to continue in Hong Kong.

Under Article 23 religious groups will be liable to be deemed a "National Security Risk" and appropriate action be taken.

Any interested person or organisation who wishes to express their concern should write to the Security Bureau (Attn AS(F) 2 F Division) 6th Floor East Wing, Central Government Offices, Lower Albert Road, Central Hong Kong.

Or on line at http:/http://www.article23.org.hk/english/main.htm.

The Hong Kong Government is open to receive public submissions until 24 December 2002 only.

Merv Knight Executive Director VOM Australia