HKSAR Government strongly opposes and condemns US Department of State for attempting to "demonise" lawful enforcement actions by NSD
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"Endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms acts and activities that endanger national security. The HKSAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions 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. No matter how the relevant country tried to exonerate the absconders in various forms, means and excuses, it could not change the fact that the persons involved, who have fled overseas, are alleged to have continued to commit offences under the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL), seriously endangering national security. The listing of the persons who have absconded overseas and allegedly committed offences under the NSL as wanted persons by the NSD in accordance with the law, as well as the subsequent further investigation and law enforcement actions, are totally reasonable, rational, legal, and indeed necessary," a spokesman for the HKSAR Government stressed.
"Hong Kong residents enjoy the rights and freedoms under the Basic Law, the Hong Kong Bill of Rights Ordinance and other relevant laws. The NSL clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR. Any law enforcement actions to safeguard national security will not affect the rights and freedoms concerned that Hong Kong residents enjoy in accordance with the law," the spokesman pointed out.
"The HKSAR Government solemnly urges the US to discern fact from fallacy, stop immediately their wanton slanders and smears against the NSL and the implementation of the NSL in the HKSAR, and refrain immediately from interfering with the internal affairs of the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong matters," the spokesman reiterated.
"The HKSAR Government will continue to implement the NSL fearlessly, resolutely, fully and faithfully, thereby preventing, suppressing and imposing punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, so as to allow Hong Kong to advance from stability to prosperity steadily," the spokesman said.
Ends/Saturday, August 26, 2023
Issued at HKT 21:16
Issued at HKT 21:16
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