Officials of the Hong Kong Police Force's National Security Department announce the HK$1 million bounty for each of the eight fugitives wanted for violating the National Security Law for Hong Kong on July 3, 2023. (PHOTO PROVIDED TO CHINA DAILY)

Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Tuesday that the Hong Kong police would take all necessary measures to catch the eight fugitives who are wanted for endangering national security, and called on the public to offer clues to help the investigation.

A day earlier, the police announced a reward of HK$1 million ($128,000) for each of the eight fugitives, namely three exiled former lawmakers and five people who allegedly advocated separatism and sought foreign sanctions on Hong Kong.

Before the Executive Council meeting, Lee told reporters that endangering national security is a serious crime. He added that no matter where the fugitives go, the government will pursue these criminals for life until they are punished by the law.

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Under the National Security Law, surrendering may result in the court considering a reduction in sentence, but otherwise, the individual will remain a fugitive for life and live in constant fear of arrest, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu stressed

He emphasized that the police investigation would also send a message to the public that no matter what foreign politicians say or do in their own interests, it will not affect the Hong Kong government’s safeguarding of national security.

He said that the Hong Kong police have the ability to hunt down the fugitives, and that the police will not be affected by any pressure coming from anywhere else. 

The only way to cancel the warrant is for the fugitives to surrender themselves, he said. Under the National Security Law, surrendering may result in the court considering a reduction in sentence, but otherwise, the individual will remain a fugitive for life and live in constant fear of arrest, Lee stressed.

Lee called on the public, including relatives of the fugitives, to offer clues to help the police track them down, adding that the police will protect the informants’ privacy.

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He added that the government will also thoroughly investigate the forces behind the fugitives. These forces will not stop trying to harm Hong Kong, and the government’s efforts in cracking down on them also will not cease, he said.

Contact the writer at mikegu@chinadailyhk.com