Attempt to smear HK police exposes some parties' hypocrisy

Members of the G7 Rapid Response Mechanism, as well associate members, issued a statement on Friday vilifying the decision of the Hong Kong police to issue arrest warrants against a number of individuals involved in organizing illegal elections to the "Hong Kong Parliament". The statement even referred to the Hong Kong police's action as "transnational repression".

Their accusations are utterly groundless. By attacking the legitimate law enforcement actions of the Hong Kong police and exercising "long-arm jurisdiction" by imposing sanctions, these parties have fully exposed their hypocrisy and double standards.

The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force announced on July 25 that 16 absconders had been put on a wanted list. They join three other individuals who had been specified as absconders last year. These 19 absconders are suspected of having committed offenses under the Hong Kong National Security Law by organizing, establishing or participating in, outside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a subversive organization, the "Hong Kong Parliament".

As they are subject to warrants of arrest issued by the court upon application by the police, Tang Pingkeung, the SAR's secretary for security, identified the 16 individuals as absconders on Aug 4, and specified the measures to be applied against the 19 fugitives by notices published in the Government of the Hong Kong SAR Gazette.

These 19 absconders are wanted, not because they "exercised freedom of expression", but because they have blatantly engaged in activities endangering national security. The "Hong Kong Parliament" they mention is an attempt to subvert State power, as a Hong Kong SAR government spokesperson said in a statement issued on Saturday.

The illegal organization's objectives include promoting "self-determination", promulgating the "Hong Kong Constitution", and overthrowing or undermining the basic system of China through unlawful means.

Endangering national security is a serious offense even in the countries that have jointly issued the statement. The Hong Kong SAR government has the responsibility to pursue, in accordance with the law, all those suspected of having committed offenses under the Hong Kong National Security Law or other offenses endangering national security, even if they are outside the SAR. The law enforcement actions taken by the Hong Kong police against the people carrying out anti-China activities while based overseas are in accordance with the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance and are also in line with international law and common practices.

"Absconders should not think they can evade criminal liability by absconding from Hong Kong. Ultimately, they will be liable for their acts constituting serious offenses endangering national security and be sanctioned by the law. Any suggestion that certain individuals or organizations 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 Hong Kong SAR government spokesperson said in the statement.

At a regular news conference in Beijing on Monday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said the Hong Kong police's law enforcement actions are "lawful, justified, and necessary". He urged the countries concerned to stop emboldening anti-China troublemakers and stop interfering in China's internal affairs.

The Chinese central government firmly supports the Hong Kong police in taking lawful action against fugitives and organizations trying to destabilize the SAR, so as to safeguard national security and to ensure Hong Kong's long-term stability.

The Constitution and the Basic Law steadfastly safeguard the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong residents. Any attempt by foreign countries or external forces to undermine Hong Kong's stability will only expose their own faulty arguments. The Hong Kong SAR government will continue to unwaveringly fulfill its duty to safeguard national security.