The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today expressed strong dissatisfaction and opposition against the slanderous remarks made by some Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians regarding the case of Joshua Wong involving the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the Hong Kong SAR's work on safeguarding national security.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said as the legal proceedings of the case involving Joshua Wong are still ongoing, it is inappropriate for any person to comment on the details of the case.

The Hong Kong SAR Government strongly urges these Western countries, anti-China organisations and anti-China politicians to immediately stop interfering in the Hong Kong SAR's internal affairs and the independent exercise of judicial power by the courts.

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 Department of Justice is in charge of criminal prosecutions under the Basic Law, with all its prosecutorial decisions made on an objective analysis of all admissible evidence and applicable laws.

The Judiciary exercises judicial power independently in accordance with the law, and everyone charged with a criminal offence will receive a fair trial strictly. The courts decide cases strictly in accordance with the evidence and all applicable laws. Cases will never be handled any differently owing to the profession, political beliefs or backgrounds of the people involved. The prosecution has the burden to prove beyond reasonable doubt the commission of an offence before a defendant may be convicted by the court.

The Hong Kong SAR Government stressed that any attempt by any country, organisation or individual to interfere with the judicial proceedings in the Hong Kong SAR by means of political power, thereby resulting in a defendant not being able to have a fair trial that one should receive, is a reprehensible act undermining the rule of law and should be condemned.

The Hong Kong SAR Government is appalled by irresponsible remarks of some countries, organisations or individuals that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions, or even call for release of suspects who have been arrested by the Hong Kong SAR law enforcement agencies in accordance with the law.

Moreover, it elucidated that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law.

The Hong Kong SAR Government added that it will uphold the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, so as to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.