The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today made a solemn statement to oppose and express strong disapproval of the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country, region, organisation or individual.

In the statement, the Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that any society that upholds the rule of law should not accept anyone being above the law or having the privilege to break the law without facing legal consequences.

It pointed out that following a series of riots and illegal acts advocating Hong Kong independence since June 2019, a number of criminals who committed serious offences in Hong Kong have absconded to evade legal responsibilities.

The offences include serious wounding, arson, making petrol bombs or explosives, criminal damage, rioting and collusion with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security.

These criminals made up numerous excuses, including lying to the court for approval to leave Hong Kong and alleging that they were prosecuted for political reasons, to deliberately escape justice, the statement said, adding that these are shameful and cowardly acts.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that in Hong Kong, any arrest and prosecution is directed against the criminal act and has nothing to do with the political stance, background or thought of the person or people concerned.

Arrests and prosecutions are based on facts and evidence and conducted in strict accordance with the law.

It noted that the Department of Justice controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference and that Hong Kong has an independent judiciary with the power of final adjudication. Everyone shall receive a fair and just trial, it added.

The statement pointed out any country, region, organisation or individual that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems and barbarically interferes in the city's affairs. The Hong Kong SAR Government said it strongly opposes and deplores such acts.

They harbour these criminals who set fires, wounded others, made explosives, engaged in riots and endangered public safety, and shelter them in their country or region, the statement said.

They shall eventually bear the consequences of what they have done as they turn a blind eye to the offences committed by these criminals and disregard the potential security threats posed to the local community and residents, it noted.