​The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (March 16) disapproved of and condemned the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for smearing the HKSAR's laws on safeguarding national security with false accusations in its report on sentencing of protestors involved in the "black-clad violence" in 2019.

     A spokesman for the HKSAR Government said, "Article 1 of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) clearly stipulates the purpose of the enactment of the law is to ensure the resolute, full and faithful implementation of the policy of 'one country, two systems' under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong with a high degree of autonomy. The report concerned completely disregarded the relevant provision and slandered the NSL with false accusations that it reduced Hong Kong's autonomy. It is necessary for the HKSAR Government to set the record straight."

     "Moreover, what the NSL targets are people who conduct acts and activities endangering national security. In fact, endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms acts and activities that endanger national security. The report attempted to shift the focus with false accusations to mislead people into believing that the legislative intent of the NSL is to 'make it easier to prosecute protesters', thereby creating a negative impression of the law."

     As a matter of fact, the Department of Justice (DoJ) of the HKSAR, by virtue of Article 63 of the Basic Law, controls criminal prosecutions, free from any interference. All prosecutorial decisions by the DoJ are based on admissible evidence, applicable laws and guidelines such as the Prosecution Code. Prosecutions would only be commenced if there is sufficient admissible evidence to support a reasonable prospect of conviction and if it is in the public interest to do so.

     The HKSAR Government will continue to refute any smears by false accusations against the laws on safeguarding national security proactively and promptly to prevent members of the public from being misled.

Ends/Saturday, March 16, 2024
Issued at HKT 21:05

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