The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today made a solemn statement to express strong disapproval and opposition against the harbouring of criminals in any form by any country.

The Hong Kong SAR Government emphasised that any suggestion that certain individuals or organisations should be immune from legal consequences for their illegal acts is no different from advocating a special privilege to break the law, and this totally runs contrary to the spirit of the rule of law.

The statement noted that following the “black-clad violence” and the Hong Kong version of “colour revolution” in 2019, a number of criminals who have committed serious offences endangering national security absconded.

Among them, some even forged documents and deceived the court with false information in order to obtain the court's permission to leave Hong Kong while on bail, and jumped bail to evade legal responsibilities.

During abscondence, these criminals continued to blantantly engage in acts endangering national security. The statement said those are out-and-out shameful and cowardly acts.

The Hong Kong SAR Government made it clear that in Hong Kong, any arrest and prosecution is directed against the criminal act and has nothing to do with the political stance, background or thought of the person(s) concerned.

Arrest and prosecution are based on facts and evidence, and conducted in strict accordance with the law. Hong Kong has an independent judiciary with the power of final adjudication. Everyone shall receive a fair and just trial.

The statement said any country that harbours Hong Kong criminals in any form shows contempt for the rule of law, grossly disrespects Hong Kong's legal systems and barbarically interferes in the affairs of Hong Kong.

Turning a blind eye to the offences committed by the criminals and disregarding the potential security threats posed to the local community and residents, they shall eventually bear the consequences of what they have done, the statement added.

Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong, adding that they will be held liable for their acts constituting serious offences endangering national security and be punished by the law ultimately.

The Hong Kong SAR Government further stressed that endangering national security is a very serious crime and it will do everything possible and use all legal means to pursue and combat criminals who endanger national security as well as to hold them accountable, thereby safeguarding national security.