The Government today stated that any law enforcement actions taken by the law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the people concerned, and have absolutely nothing to do with their profession or religion.

It made the statement in response to media enquiries about five trustees of the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund arrested by Police’s National Security Department.

The Government said that no one is above the law, nor can anyone break the law without bearing responsibilities. No one enjoys privileges and if there is evidence that anyone has violated the law, he or she must face justice regardless of his or her status or background.

Police investigations revealed that the arrested people are alleged to have begged foreign countries or external institutions to impose sanctions against Hong Kong, and are suspected of committing the offence of conspiracy to collude with a foreign country or with external elements to endanger national security, in contravention of Article 29 of the National Security Law.

The Government pointed out that acts and activities that endanger national security may have very serious consequences, and actions must be taken to prevent and suppress such acts and activities, to ensure that individuals endangering national security will face legal consequences.

The Government stressed that the fundamental rights and freedoms of Hong Kong residents are guaranteed under the Basic Law.

Article 4 of the National Security Law also clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in Hong Kong; the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy 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 applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law.

The Government added it will continue to guard against any acts and activities endangering national security. Law enforcement departments will handle all people impartially in accordance with the law, regardless of their background.

Furthermore, after carrying out operations in various districts from Tuseday to today, Police’s National Security Department arrested two men and three women for a suspected breach of the National Security Law, the force announced this afternoon.

The two men and two of the women have been released on bail and are required to report to Police in early August. The remaining 67-year-old woman who is serving a sentence will remain in custody.

The force also applied to the court to serve summons on the arrested individuals and a 37-year-old man for failing to comply with the requirements under the Societies Ordinance to apply to the societies officer for registration or exemption from registration for the 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund, it added.