The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly opposed and condemned overseas and international organisations for wantonly attacking, slandering and smearing the National Security Law (NSL) and actions taken by the Hong Kong Police Force’s National Security Department (NSD) in accordance with the law.

In a statement tonight, the Hong Kong SAR Government reiterated that endangering national security is a very serious offence and it should fight against such offences in full force and pursue the liability of people concerned to the end.

In addition to solemnly urging the organisations concerned to discern fact from fallacy, and stop being manipulated by people with ulterior motives, the Hong Kong SAR Government encouraged them to immediately refrain from wantonly slandering and smearing the NSL and its implementation in the city.

The statement explained that the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies have been taking law enforcement actions based on evidence and strictly in accordance with the law in respect of the acts of the people or entities concerned, and have nothing to do with their political stance, background or occupation.

The eight individuals concerned, who have fled overseas, are alleged to have continued to commit offences under the NSL that seriously endanger national security.

Police have the responsibility to take all necessary measures in accordance with the law to arrest the people related to the cases and bring them to justice. The actions by the NSD are reasonable, rational, legal, and indeed necessary, the statement stressed.

It also said the scope of the NSL’s application fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. Such a practice is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.

Additionally, the statement noted that the national security laws of various countries also have extraterritorial effect under the principles of “personality” and “protective jurisdiction”.

It is a common practice of Police and other law enforcement agencies to release information of fugitive offenders who have allegedly committed serious offences and are wanted, and appeal to members of the public to assist in bringing fugitive offenders to justice. This is also squarely in line with the international practice.

Moreover, the statement pointed out that foreign powers with ulterior motives have been meddling with the NSD’s actions, which were conducted in accordance with the law, in the name of overseas and international organisations and claiming to be acting for various purposes.

Such meddling amounts to manipulation to put politics above everything, the statement said.

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The Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to implement the NSL resolutely, fully and faithfully so as to allow the city to advance from stability to prosperity steadily, it added.