Police officers stand guard outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Hong Kong on May 8, 2022. (EDMOND TANG / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG – The Security Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government condemned on Monday the fact-twisting remarks by international and local organizations, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, to smear lawful police enforcement actions. 

In a statement, a spokesman for the bureau also strongly opposed the unfounded statements of the Hong Kong Journalists Association against police actions under the guise of the freedoms of speech, of the press and of assembly.

The spokesman stressed that the HKSAR government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law

“Hong Kong is a society underpinned by the rule of law.. It would be totally contrary to the rule of law for someone to suggest that certain group of people could enjoy privileges and break the law without getting arrested or bearing legal responsibilities due to their capacity,” the spokesman said. 

“Everyone, including journalists, should abide by the law,” he added.

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The OHCHR earlier expressed concern over reports of police detentions over the weekend.

The bureau spokesman stressed that the HKSAR government steadfastly safeguards the rights and freedoms enjoyed by Hong Kong people as protected under the law. 

“Since Hong Kong's return to the motherland, human rights in the city have always been robustly guaranteed constitutionally by both the Constitution and the Basic Law,” he said.

The spokesman said the National Security Law for Hong Kong clearly stipulates that human rights shall be respected and protected in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR and that the rights and freedoms that Hong Kong residents enjoy under the Basic Law and international conventions shall be protected.

He also said all law enforcement actions are based on evidence and the law and have nothing to do with a suspect’s political stance or background. 

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“Any attempt to undermine HKSAR's prosperity and stability by slandering the rule of law and freedom in the HKSAR will only be futile. The HKSAR government law enforcement agencies will continue to enforce the laws without fear or favor to safeguard national security and social order,” he added.