Cornerstone for prosperity and stability: Hong Kong National Security Law heralds third anniversary of implementation
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The spokesman stressed, "The HKSAR is an inalienable part of the People's Republic of China. It is the common responsibility of all the people of China, including the people of Hong Kong, to safeguard the sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity of the People's Republic of China. The 'black-clad violence' and Hong Kong version of 'colour revolution' back in 2019 seriously endangered social stability and challenged the HKSAR's governance power. Such acts, which completely disregarded law and order, severely damaged the society, economy and business environment of Hong Kong and subjected the public to constant fear.
"In 2020, the Central Authorities decisively enacted the NSL and the HKSAR Government soon afterwards promulgated it for implementation. Since then, national security has been effectively safeguarded. Order in society has been swiftly restored. The business environment has continued to improve. The rule of law has been manifested. People's rights and freedoms have been better protected. All in all, Hong Kong has achieved a major transition from chaos to governance.
"Over the past three years of implementation of the NSL, the HKSAR has been fulfilling the responsibility of safeguarding national security in accordance with the law and earnestly upholding the principle that laws must be obeyed and lawbreakers held accountable. The NSL clearly stipulates four categories of offences that endanger national security. It punishes only criminals endangering national security, who constitute an extremely small minority of the society, on the one hand, and protects ordinary citizens, who are the overwhelming majority, on the other. When discharging duties under the NSL, the HKSAR law enforcement agencies take law enforcement actions, based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law, against any people, institutions or organisations that endanger national security. The Department of Justice of the HKSAR is in charge of criminal prosecutions under Article 63 of the Basic Law, with all prosecution decisions made based on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws. The Judiciary of the HKSAR exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and all those facing criminal charges have the right to a fair trial."
The spokesman said, "Although the Hong Kong society has restored stability overall, people must not let their guard down. They must remain vigilant at all times to prevent those who are opposed to China and attempt to destabilise Hong Kong from disrupting peace in society and endangering national security again. At present, acts of 'soft resistance' continue to take place and spread through the internet and media etc., creating conflict and even arousing Hong Kong people's hatred of the Central Authorities and the HKSAR Government. Some countries and external forces have time and again exploited myriad incidents and occasions, and created various excuses, to not just slander the NSL, but also smear and attack, with rumours spread, the HKSAR in its dutiful, faithful and lawful implementation of the NSL, with a view to undermining the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong.
"It is the responsibility of the whole Hong Kong society to safeguard national security. All people of Hong Kong must observe the NSL and other laws of the HKSAR on safeguarding national security. At the same time, they must stay alert to threats and dangers while adopting bottom-line thinking. It is the common mission of all to safeguard the overall interests of Hong Kong society and ensure the long-term prosperity and stability of the city."
The spokesman reiterated, "The HKSAR steadfastly safeguards national sovereignty, security and development interests, and fully and faithfully lives up to this top priority of the principle of 'one country, two systems'. The HKSAR Government will resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the NSL and further strengthen the HKSAR's legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security to prevent, suppress and punish in accordance with the law acts and activities that endanger national security. At the same time, it will safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people in accordance with the law. Its overarching goal is to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of 'one country, two systems'."
Ends/Friday, June 30, 2023
Issued at HKT 10:00
Issued at HKT 10:00
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