The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (June 30) strongly objected to the grossly misleading and incorrect remarks by some individuals, organisations and countries upon the anniversary of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (the Hong Kong National Security Law), purposely degrading the positive effect that the Law has on Hong Kong.
"Contrary to the erroneous allegations that the Hong Kong National Security Law undermines the 'one country, two systems' framework, our country has the right, indeed the duty, to legislate for this matter under 'one country, two systems'. Every country has laws and the duty to safeguard its national security and sovereignty. The international community should not adopt a double standard," a spokesman for the Government said.
"Endangering national security is a very serious crime. The damage is serious. It is only right for action to be taken to prevent, interdict and suppress the act. That notwithstanding, the Hong Kong National Security Law upholds the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people, clearly stipulating that the HKSAR shall protect the rights and freedoms enjoyed by residents 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 in accordance with the law."
The spokesman stressed that freedoms of speech, of the press and of publication are among the rights and freedoms explicitly mentioned in Article 4 of the Hong Kong National Security Law as being protected in accordance with Hong Kong laws.
"The four categories of offences endangering national security clearly stipulated under the Hong Kong National Security Law are narrowly defined. There is no question of law-abiding persons inadvertently violating the law.
"We must reiterate, for the record, that any law enforcement actions taken by Hong Kong law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law, for the acts of the persons or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation. It would be contrary to the rule of law to suggest that people or entities of certain sectors or professions could be above the law."
It should also be emphasised that many of the individuals, organisations or countries that made biased comments against the Hong Kong National Security Law are entities that have a long history of smearing the Law and the lawful enforcement actions by the HKSAR Government. Their unfounded accusations have simply twisted facts without credible substantiation.
"The Hong Kong National Security Law has reverted the chaotic situation in Hong Kong seen in the 10 months or so from June 2019, whereby violent acts are substantially reduced, external forces are observed to have diminished, and advocacy of 'Hong Kong Independence' continues to subside. With people's lives returning to normal, our economy and people's livelihood can revive (except for the reasons of the epidemic). The HKSAR Government will continue to discharge its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong in accordance with the law," the spokesman said.
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