HONG KONG - The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government said it will resolutely safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability under the "one country, two systems" principle. 

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A spokesman for the government made the remarks in a statement issued on Thursday in response to erroneous remarks by overseas government officials and politicians on the arrest of certain people for allegedly committing an offense relating to subversion under the National Security Law.

We will not be intimidated by threats of sanctions by overseas governments; nor will we shy away from condemning foreign or external forces that have flagrantly interfered in Hong Kong’s affairs.

Spokesman, HKSAR govt

"The HKSAR government has the determination, perseverance and capability to enforce the National Security Law to safeguard Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle. We will not be intimidated by threats of sanctions by overseas governments; nor will we shy away from condemning foreign or external forces that have flagrantly interfered in Hong Kong’s affairs," the statement quoted the spokesman as saying.

The spokesman said it is the HKSAR's constitutional responsibilities to safeguard national security.  Since the enactment of the National Security Law by the National People’s Congress Standing Committee on 30 June, 2020 and promulgation for its application in Hong Kong on the same day in accordance with the Basic Law of Hong Kong, the HKSAR government has been discharging its duty to safeguard national security in Hong Kong "lawfully and dutifully, without fear or anxiety," the spokesman said.

“The National Security Law, or indeed any law in the HKSAR, applies equally to every person in Hong Kong; no one is above the law. We are appalled by remarks made by some overseas government officials that seemed to suggest that people with certain political beliefs should be immune to legal sanctions."

The spokesman said arrests made are based on evidence and strictly in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, adding that the HKSAR government makes independent prosecutorial decisions based on evidence, applicable laws and in accordance with its Prosecution Code, free from any interference. 

“Any person who is prosecuted has the right to a fair trial by our independent courts, and the burden is on the prosecution to prove that the accused committed a crime beyond reasonable doubt before there can be a conviction," the spokesman said.

The spokesman said contrary to allegations made by some overseas commentators, the National Security Law clearly stipulates four types of offences endangering national security and the penalties.  

 At the same time, the National Security Law contains specific provisions upholding Hong Kong people's rights and freedoms under the Basic Law as well as the relevant provisions of international covenants on human rights as applied to Hong Kong. The Law also provides for the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of double jeopardy, and the right to defend oneself and other rights in judicial proceedings that a criminal suspect, defendant and other parties in judicial proceedings are entitled to under the law, the spokesman said.     

"These important features have put the National Security Law on par with, if not superior to, similar national security laws in other jurisdictions. In making slandering remarks about the National Security Law, many overseas critics are clearly adopting double standards and merely exposing their prejudice against the People's Republic of China and Hong Kong," the spokesman said.

“The purpose of the National Security Law is to prevent, stop and punish acts and activities endangering national security in accordance with the law. Article 22 of the National Security Law stipulates that any person who organizes, plans, commits or participates in acts by force or threat of force or other unlawful means with a view to subverting the State power shall be guilty of an offense. There is a clear line between political pluralism and attempts to seriously undermining the performance of government duties and functions. Such vicious plot would not be tolerated in any country," the spokesman said.

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Since implementation of the National Security Law, street violence which had haunted Hong Kong people for months since June 2019 have subsided and stability restored, the spokesman said.