The Security Bureau today said it strongly opposed and condemned the fact-twisting and unfounded remarks by international and local organisations on Police’s enforcement actions.

In a statement, the bureau pointed out that international and local organisations including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and the Hong Kong Journalists Association have smeared Police’s lawful enforcement actions under the guise of the freedoms of speech, of the press and of assembly.

The bureau stressed that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law.

It noted that since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law.

The National Security Law clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, and that the rights and freedoms, including the freedoms of speech, of the press, of publication, of association, of assembly, of procession and of demonstration, that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and the provisions of the International Covenant on Civil & Political Rights (ICCPR) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social & Cultural Rights as applied to Hong Kong shall be protected in accordance with the law.

The bureau supplemented that such rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that some of them may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order or the rights and freedoms of others.

It emphasised that Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law. Basic Law Article 25 provides that all Hong Kong residents shall be equal before the law. All law enforcement actions taken by law enforcement agencies are based on evidence, strictly according to the law and for the acts of the people or organisations concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance or background.

“It would be totally contrary to the rule of law for someone to suggest that certain group of people could enjoy privileges and break the law without getting arrested or bearing legal responsibilities due to their capacity. Everyone, including journalists, should abide by the law.

“Any attempt to undermine Hong Kong SAR's prosperity and stability by slandering the rule of law and freedom in the Hong Kong SAR will only be futile. The Hong Kong SAR Government law enforcement agencies will continue to enforce the laws without fear or favour to safeguard national security and social order,” the bureau added.