HKSAR Government strongly opposes and condemns unsubstantiated accusations by certain countries and organisations against National Security Department's enforcement actions
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A spokesperson for the HKSAR Government said that endangering national security is a very serious offence. No country will watch with folded arms acts and activities that endanger national security. It is a common practice of the Police and other law enforcement agencies to release information of fugitive offenders who have allegedly committed serious offences and are wanted, and appeal to members of the public to assist in bringing fugitive offenders to justice. This is also squarely in line with the international practice.
The spokesman said, "Extraterritoriality is a common feature of national security laws in many countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States. The scope of application of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) fully aligns with the principles of international law, international practice and common practice adopted in various countries and regions. Such practice is both necessary and legitimate, and is also in line with those of other countries and regions around the world. Some countries have chosen to continue to deliberately ignore the extraterritorial effect of their laws in safeguarding national security, and wantonly made unreasonable criticisms and smeared the extraterritorial effect of the NSL and the Police's law enforcement actions conducted in accordance with the law time and again. These are clearly typical manipulations tainted with double standards."
"It is outrageous that wanted persons who have absconded overseas allegedly continue to engage in acts and activities endangering national security. The HKSAR Government will not condone such criminal acts, and will pursue the liability of the fugitives who have absconded overseas and endangered national security to the end by adopting all practicable measures to bring them to justice. No country or organisation should harbour criminals nor exonerate these people with different excuses,” the spokesman stressed.
"Fugitives should not have any delusion that they could evade legal liabilities by absconding from Hong Kong. Fugitives will be pursued for life unless they turn themselves in. The HKSAR Government will continue to uphold the principle of 'laws are observed so as to bring offenders to account' and apprehend the fugitive offenders in accordance with the law and will not allow them to evade justice," the spokesman added.
Ends/Friday, December 15, 2023
Issued at HKT 20:55
Issued at HKT 20:55
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