The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition against the slanderous remarks made by the US, the UK, Canada, European Union officials, politicians and anti-China organisations regarding its further actions against offenders absconded overseas.

It announced the actions yesterday against the offenders who continue to engage in acts and activities endangering national security.

In a statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government said the National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security.

The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applicable to the Hong Kong SAR are protected in accordance with the law.

Legislation that safeguards national security only targets a very small number of organisations and individuals that endanger national security, it added.

It explained that the seven specified abscondees are hiding in the US and Australia, and continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security, inciting secession and requesting foreign countries to impose “sanctions” or blockade and engage in other hostile activities against the People’s Republic of China and the Hong Kong SAR.

More so, they continue to collude with external forces to be covered for their evil deeds. It is therefore necessary to take such measures to make a strong blow.

The specified measures aim at addressing, combating, deterring and preventing acts of abscondment, and procuring the return of absconded persons to Hong Kong to face law enforcement and judicial proceedings.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly disapproves of the acts taken by foreign government officials and politicians as well as anti-China organisations, who deliberately smeared and spread irresponsible remarks on the measures and actions that it takes in accordance with the law, in an attempt to mislead the public.

In fact, it pointed out, all specified measures including the cancellation of Hong Kong SAR passports and eligibility for application align with human rights requirements; and quite a number of countries including the US, the UK and Canada would also impose such measures on wanted criminals.

It is indeed a demonstration of hypocrisy with double standards by any external forces or people with ulterior motives that, after the Hong Kong SAR Government has announced the relevant measures, attack the Hong Kong SAR in safeguarding national security dutifully, faithfully and in accordance with the law.

The Hong Kong SAR 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.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said it has the responsibility to pursue those who have allegedly committed offences endangering national security and absconded overseas in accordance with the law.

It emphasised that absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be sanctioned by the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that the Constitution and the Basic Law steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people.

It said any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong’s situation will only expose their own weakness and faulty arguments and be doomed to fail, adding that it will continue to unwaveringly discharge its duty in safeguarding national security.