The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force launched an enforcement operation at various locations in the territory today (June 17) and arrested five directors, comprising four men and a woman aged between 47 and 63, of a media company for suspected collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security, contravening Article 29 of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (National Security Law).
In addition, Police also conducted searches on the residences of the five directors and the media company building in Tseung Kwan O with a warrant issued under Article 43(1) of the National Security Law and Schedule 1 of the Implementation Rules, covering the power of searching and seizure of journalistic materials.
Police investigations suspected that the media company had conspired with others to publish articles on its newspaper and online to urge a foreign country or an institution, organisation or individual outside the mainland, Hong Kong and Macao of the People’s Republic of China to impose sanctions or blockade, or engaging in other hostile activities against the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and /or the People’s Republic of China.
A Police spokesman said: “By exercising the powers conferred by the law, Police will continue to strictly enforce the law to prevent and combat all acts and activities that endanger national security.”
All the arrested persons are being detained for enquiries. Investigations are ongoing. Police will not rule out the possibility of further arrests.
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