SB strongly condemns organisation for making gravely unfounded allegations against Police's action
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The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force yesterday (May 5) conducted searches with a warrant and seized an exhibit related to an "incitement to subversion" case under the National Security Law. The Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are duty-bound to bring to justice people and entities acting in violation of the laws of Hong Kong, including the National Security Law. The Police's actions sought to uphold justice. All law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.
"We must point out that regarding the case concerned involving the present evidence collection, investigation has all along been on-going. To collect evidence following progress of investigation to take forward the relevant case is legal, reasonable and rational. The organisation concerned attempted to make misleading comments and request for the return of the exhibit under the guise of artistic freedom, and unreasonably condemned and maliciously smeared the lawful enforcement actions of the Police, absolutely defying the law and disregarding the rule of law," a spokesman of the Security Bureau said.
The spokesman added, "Article 4 of the National Security Law clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), and that the rights and freedoms which the residents of Hong Kong enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong, shall be protected in accordance with the law. Nonetheless, such rights and freedoms are not absolute."
The spokesman reiterated that "the HKSAR Government carries out its duties and obligations to safeguard national security in accordance with the law. It safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests while protecting in accordance with the law the rights and freedoms that the residents of Hong Kong enjoy. The HKSAR Government will continue to handle the case concerned in accordance with the law. The organisation concerned should immediately stop making unfounded allegations."
Ends/Saturday, May 6, 2023
Issued at HKT 13:37
Issued at HKT 13:37
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