Hong Kong looks to public for views on stalking legislation

Dec 20, 2011, 9:05 GMT

Hong Kong - Hong Kong on Tuesday began a three-month public consultation exercise over a proposal to introduce anti-stalking legislation.

Under the proposed law, it would be an offence to engage in any behaviour that causes a person to feel harassed with offenders risking up to two years in jail.

That behaviour includes unwelcome communication, such as emails and phone calls, and sending unwanted gifts.

Hong Kong does not have any anti-stalking legislation, such as that which has existed in the United States for almost 20 years, and stalkers can only be prosecuted if they commit another offence such as assault or threatening behaviour.

Some sections of the media have expressed concern a new law would be used to interfere with news gathering and the freedom of the press.

The fear was dismissed by the government, which says the law would include a defence of reasonable conduct, which would protect legitimate activities.

Stalking cases are relatively rare in the city of 7.1 million. However, a civil case last year highlighted the lack of legal protection for victims.

The case involved a woman who was threatened with jail for breaking an injunction not to come within 50 metres of a doctor she had stalked for 12 years.

Chan Yuk-fung sent gifts and food, made telephone calls and sent emails to the doctor, claiming she could not control herself because she was infatuated with him.