The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government strongly opposes and disapproves of the European Union’s (EU) slanderous remarks on the Hong Kong SAR’s lawful act to pursue wanted persons who have endangered national security and absconded from the city.

In a statement today, the Hong Kong SAR Government strongly demands that the EU immediately stop acting against international law and basic norms of international relations, and stop interfering in Hong Kong matters which are purely China’s internal affairs.

It emphasised that endangering national security is a very serious offence, adding that no country will watch with folded arms on acts and activities that endanger national security.

It also noted that the “Hong Kong Parliament” is an organisation that aims to subvert state power. Its objectives include promoting “self-determination” and promulgating the so-called “Hong Kong Constitution”; and overthrowing or undermining the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) basic system established by the PRC Constitution or overthrowing the PRC’s body of central power or the Hong Kong SAR’s body of power with unlawful means.

As such, the organisation is suspected of committing the offence of subversion contrary to Article 22 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL).

Hence, Police applied to the court for arrest warrants in accordance with the law and placed the persons on a wanted list.

The Hong Kong SAR Government said that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts, including those involving collusion with foreign or external forces, is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law.

This totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law, it added.

Extraterritorial effect for offences under the HKNSL and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (SNSO) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. It is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world.

As the Hong Kong SAR’s law enforcement department safeguards national security, Police are duty-bound to pursue the liability of those who have allegedly endangered national security outside Hong Kong.

Those absconders hiding outside Hong Kong are wanted because they continue to blatantly engage in activities endangering national security. Moreover, they continue to collude with external forces to cover for their evil deeds.

It is necessary for Police to take all lawful measures to strongly combat the acts of abscondment, and such actions are fully justified, necessary and legitimate, the Hong Kong SAR Government pointed out.

It stressed that both the HKNSL and the SNSO clearly stipulate that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

The rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people 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 applicable to the Hong Kong SAR are protected in accordance with the law.

Nonetheless, just as in other places in the world, many of the rights and freedoms are not absolute. The ICCPR also expressly states that certain rights and freedoms including the freedom of expression may be subject to restrictions as prescribed by law that are necessary for the protection of national security, public safety, public order, and the rights and freedoms of others.

Regarding an extremely small minority of organisations and individuals endangering national security, the Hong Kong SAR Government said that it will not condone their criminal acts and will not give up pursuing them, including adopting all practical measures to bring those fugitives endangering national security who have absconded from Hong Kong to justice.

It reiterated that absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor try to exonerate these people with different excuses.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that it will, as always, resolutely, fully and faithfully implement the HKNSL, the SNSO and other relevant laws safeguarding national security in the city, to effectively prevent, suppress and impose punishment for acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law, while upholding the rights and freedoms of Hong Kong people in accordance with the law, in order to ensure the steadfast and successful implementation of the principle of “one country, two systems”.