(To watch the full media session with sign language interpretation, click here.)

The law enforcement actions taken against Stand News for suspected breaches of the National Security Law have nothing to do with suppression of press freedom or suppression of democracy.

Chief Executive Carrie Lam made the statement today in response to reporters' questions on the arrest of the online media company's editor and former directors for conspiracy to publish a seditious publication.

She noted that the law enforcement agencies have the legitimate duty to act against lawbreakers including those who breach the Crimes Ordinance or the National Security Law.

“As a place which is proud of the rule of law, of course we have to use legislation (when) there are obvious breaches (or) offences under the relevant legislation.

“So what the law enforcement agencies have done - including the police arresting people who are (suspected) of committing offences under the Crimes Ordinance or the National Security Law - is their legitimate duty.”

The Stand News arrests were made under the Crimes Ordinance and Police conducted a search of the online media company with a warrant issued under the National Security Law.

As far as the case is concerned, Mrs Lam reiterated that the Department of Justice and the Judiciary will perform their duties without outside interference.

“Following the police investigation, the case will then be passed to the Department of Justice to decide in an independent way whether prosecutions should be laid.

"Ultimately, the case (or) the prosecution will go to the court. We all understand and appreciate that there is judicial independence in Hong Kong.”

The Chief Executive also responded to the remarks and reports by Western governments, media and organisations on the case.

“There was a statement issued by the Secretary of State of the United States. Again they sort of made all sorts of allegations and accusations about this incident. There was this very short phrase in the statement, it said that: ‘Journalism is not sedition’.

“I agree with that. Journalism is not sedition, but seditious acts and activities, and inciting other people through public acts and activities, could not be condoned under the guise of news reporting.”

In a statement, the Government said the police actions concerning Stand News targeted illegal acts of the arrestees and have nothing to do with freedom of the press and of publication.

It also deeply regretted the attempts of the US and other Western governments, media and organisations to twist facts and their slanderous remarks on the enforcement actions taken in Hong Kong in accordance with the law, noting that their acts constitute gross interference in the city’s affairs and reflect their double standards.
 

The past year saw people's lives resuming to normal and the national security risk subsided. These achievements are hard to come by, the statement added.

The Government will continue to guard against any acts endangering national security and will bring any person or entity violating the law to justice regardless of background.